Governor Gretchen Whitmer has issued an executive order banning public gatherings of more than 250 people. The order took effect at 5 pm Friday.
That was as state officials have confirmed four new cases of COVID-19 in Michigan, bringing the total number of cases to 16.
Whitmer, a Democrat, says she has this extraordinary authority under the Michigan Emergency Management Act.
“This is about protecting the most people we can from the spread of coronavirus,” she said.
Whitmer’s decisions have the support of Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey (R-Clarklake), who has often been at odds with the Democratic governor.
“While this action may seem severe, we believe it is appropriate. We have met with the governor and her team and have experienced first-hand the thoughtful, measured, and data-driven process being used to arrive at these decisions,” he said via an e-mailed statement.
State officials say they are processing samples from patients as they come in. But there are concerns the state could run short of testing kits.
Schools have been ordered closed through April Fifth and the governor’s order also bans public gatherings of more than 250 people. And the state Department of Corrections has ordered a temporary halt to in-person visits with inmates, but has reduced the cost of phone calls.
The governor’s action corresponds roughly with President Donald Trump’s declaration of a national emergency, which could open up sources of federal dollars to help states deal with the outbreak.
To read the order, click here.
