The official count of people infected with the coronavirus in Michigan is up to 53. That’s leading state officials to look for more ways to discourage large public gatherings and slow the spread of the virus.
The Governor says there are no doubt many more undiagnosed cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. And Whitmer is continuing to use her emergency powers to place limits on public gatherings to slow the spread of the new coronavirus.
Whitmer says state gaming officials are working to temporarily close Detroit’s three casinos. She says people crowded into slot machine rooms and gathered around gaming tables make casinos a natural environment for sharing the virus..
“This is about saving lives,” Whitmer said.
According to reporting from WDET-FM, all three of Detroit’s casinos will shut down by 5pm Monday, March 16.
The state has less control over tribal casinos in Michigan, but some of them have also announced they will temporarily suspend operations.
The governor says it was troubling to see pictures of students in college towns lined up to get into bars after classes were cancelled. Whitmer says she may have an announcement soon on plans to deal with that.
“I found those incredibly disturbing, as well,” she said, “certainly at the local level there are some decisions being made, but I think you’ll see some at the state level in short order.”
Schools have already been closed under an emergency order from the governor. The governor also signed an order limiting many public gatherings to no more than 250 people.
And as of Monday morning, the Centers for Disease Control was recommending canceling events or closing venues where more than 50 people are present.