LANSING, MI (WTVB/WNWN) – With Michigan becoming the COVID-19 hotspot of the nation, Governor Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services urged several volunteer measures on Friday in an attempt to slow the latest surge in cases and hospitalizations.
(High schools around the state were urged to shift to remote learning for the next two weeks. Diners were also encouraged to choose outdoor dining or takeout instead of indoor seating and it was also recommended youth sports suspend in person activities for the next two weeks.)
While the Governor announced that Michigan will administer over five million vaccinations by the end of Friday, she noted the state is experiencing a serious spike in COVID-19 cases that is putting pressure on Michigan hospital systems and she renewed her call for the federal government to surge additional vaccines to Michigan.
M.D.H.H.S. Chief Medical Executive, Dr. Joneigh Khaldun said parents and athletes need to understand the risk involved with youth sports if they choose to participate.
Spectrum Health President and CEO Tina Freese Decker said, “Based on the increase in positivity rates and hospitalizations, we need the help of Michiganders. We ask you to practice the safety behaviors that we know work and get vaccinated as soon as possible. This will help us slow the spread and hopefully this will be our last surge.”
Michigan State Superintendent of Schools, Michael Rice, said he supported the governor’s recommendations. Michigan Education Association President Paula Herbart issued a statement of support as well.
