LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Governor Gretchen Whitmer has confirmed that she will extend her “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order.
On Monday, the governor spoke on WKZO and said that she will have to extend the stay at home order, but they are weighing all the factors to determine how long it will be extended for and also considering any additional measures that might have to be taken
The governor confirmed that news in an interview with WOOD TV 8 on Wednesday, saying that she will make an official announcement at 3 p.m. Thursday.
The original executive order was set to expire on April 13.
“It’s going to be extended,” Whitmer told WOOD TV 8. “What we know is right now, we are still on the upward trajectory of COVID-19, and as tough as the sacrifice has been that we’ve asked people to make…it’s really important that we continue to double down on mitigation and protecting folks by staying home.”
This comes after a negotiation between Michigan lawmakers in Lansing earlier this week, where a 23-day extension to her state of emergency declaration was agreed upon; however, this is separate from her stay at home order. Whitmer originally wanted a 70-day extension, but it was talked down to last only through the end of the month.
“The legislatures’ choice to make it a little shorter than what I asked for doesn’t really change the scope of my ability to do what we need to do, it just actually is going to require them to come back into Lansing during what we think might be the peak of the crisis, and that was something I was hoping to avoid,” Whitmer told WOOD TV 8.
Officials such as State Rep. Beth Griffin (R-Mattawan) had previously expressed concern that a 70-day emergency declaration extension was excessive.
“I will always support decision making that ensures the health and safety of Kalamazoo and Van Buren county families and residents across Michigan,” Griffin said in a statement. “However, when making these decisions, we must be mindful of the workers who have been laid off, as well as the countless number of small businesses that support our communities through employment opportunities and the services they provide.”
Whitmer’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order was originally implemented on March 24. Citizens should continue to stay at home unless its for essential travel, such as buying groceries or picking up prescriptions, or traveling to and from work if the job is deemed “essential.”
When out in public, citizens must continue to practice social distancing by staying at least six feet away from other people whenever possible. Citizens should also wear face masks while in public and practice frequent hand washing.
As last reported Wednesday, Michigan was sitting at 20,346 COVID-19 cases.
