LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Governor Gretchen Whitmer says we will likely need a short extension of the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” executive order.
— Extended Stay at Home Order —
During her press briefing on Wednesday, April 22, the governor provided updates on the state’s response to the coronavirus along with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun and Dr. Marisa Eisenberg from the University of Michigan Department of Epidemiology.
The governor says we will have to look at the process of reengaging parts of the economy in “waves.” “It’s not going to all happen overnight,” Whitmer said. She added that some version of the stay at home order will be in effect for “a while,” but specific details were not released. More information will come during her press briefing on Friday.
Whitmer says that the most vulnerable populations will have to continue staying home for a long time.
— Current COVID-19 Data —
At last reported, Michigan was at 33,966 positive COVID-19 cases and 2,813 reported deaths. Whitmer said the state’s current precautions are working and they must continue. She showed a map study conducted by unacast.com which gives Michigan a “B” for social distancing.
Michigan was ranked sixth in the country for lab-confirmed cases and third in the nation for total confirmed deaths.
MDHHS officials are continuing to report the number of coronavirus recoveries. 3,237 people were considered recovered from the virus. “The actions we have taken in the past six weeks are working…the curve is starting to flatten,” Whitmer added.
— More Testing Needed —
The governor stressed that more testing is still crucial. She encouraged everyone who shows any symptoms to get tested, including any essential workers who have no symptoms at all. Michiganders can go to Michigan.gov/coronavirusTEST to find the closest testing site near them.
Dr. Khaldun says testing capacity must continue being expanded. She says they hope to be at 15,000 tests in the state to start considering the waves of reopening the economy.
— Unemployment —
Governor Whitmer says around $825 million dollars in payments have gone out to more than 800,000 people who have been affected by this health pandemic. She adds that they have received over 1-million unemployment claims, which is over a quarter of the state’s workforce.
She encouraged people to continue filing online. “We continue to navigate the process…you will get paid,” Whitmer said. Those still trying to apply can find more information here.
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Another press briefing is expected Friday with updates to the stay at home order and possible plans for reopening the economy.
