LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Wednesday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the signing of Executive Order 2020-33, which expands the previously signed emergency declaration.
As written, this order “recognizes the expanded scope of economic, educational, and civic dislocation caused by the COVID-19, and equips the administration to address fully the devastation caused by virus.”
Additionally, the order also formally declares a state of disaster.
“Since Michigan announced our first confirmed cases of COVID-19 three weeks ago, we have taken some of the most aggressive measures in the country to mitigate the spread of the virus and protect Michigan families,” Whitmer said in a statement. “Today’s action will allow my administration to respond more effectively to every facet of this crisis. During this time, it’s crucial that Michiganders continue to stay home and keep their distance from others. We will get through this together.”
MDHHS Chief Deputy for Health and Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun is also weighing in on the Order.
“The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Michigan is still climbing, and we must continue to do everything we can to slow the spread,” Khaldun said. “The governor has taken a number of critical steps to protect Michigan families, and this order today will allow that work to continue. I will keep working closely with the governor and our partners across state government to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.”
Whitmer sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey and House Speaker Lee Chatfield. The letter requests an extension of this declared state of emergency and disaster by 70 days from the date of the resolution.
“To meet the steep, varied, and ongoing demands created by the COVID-19 pandemic, my administration must continue to use the full range of tools available to protect the health, safety, and welfare of our state and its residents,” Whitmer said in the letter. “I welcome you and your colleagues’ continued partnership in fighting this pandemic.”
Executive Order 2020-33 and the Governor’s letter can be read in full at the links below:
Meanwhile, the latest information about COVID-19 can be found online at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.
