KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Tuesday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer made two stops in the Kalamazoo area, both to a construction zone and an ongoing vaccination clinic.
Governor Whitmer at I-94 and Portage Road on 5/11/21. (Photo by John McNeil).
The first stop was was at a project at I-94 and Portage Road, where bridges and ramps are being rebuilt and the Interstate widened.
The Governor said to watch for “cone zones,” as they will be springing up across the state now that construction season has begun.
“Any time you see that, recognize that number one, you’re in a work zone, so let’s slow down and pay attention and keep people safe,” Whitmer said. “Number two, let’s applaud the fact that we are fixing the damn roads and bridges, and making Michigan a more competitive state.”
Following this stop, the Governor then made her way to the Kalamazoo County Expo Center to observe the vaccination clinic process.
Upon arrival, she was given a tour by County Health Officer Jim Rutherford, where she also met some of the volunteers.
On Monday, Governor Whitmer announced that 55% of Michiganders have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. The announcement marks the first milestone of the “MI Vacc to Normal” plan, which would enable in-person work to resume across all employment sectors on May 24.
“Our administration and countless frontline healthcare workers have been working around the clock to ensure that every Michigander has access to the free, safe, and effective vaccine,” Governor Whitmer said. “Yesterday, we hit the first step of our Vacc to Normal challenge, as 55% of Michiganders have now gotten their first shot. Under the plan, we can begin taking steps to return to in-person work. Looking ahead, the more people who get vaccinated, the sooner we can get Vacc to Normal and emerge from this pandemic together. I encourage all Michiganders to be a part of the solution and get their shots as soon as possible to protect theirs friends, family, and community.”
It is the state’s goal to equitably vaccinate 70 percent of Michigan residents 16 and up.
As part of these efforts, Governor Whitmer says Michigan is partnering with organizations like the Kalamazoo Expo Center to create more opportunities to receive doses.
— John McNeil contributed to this reporting —
Governor Whitmer meets with Kalamazoo County Health Officer Jim Rutherford on 5/11/21 at the Kalamazoo County Expo Center Vaccination Clinic. (Photo by John McNeil).
Governor Whitmer observes the I-94 construction project in Portage on 5/11/21. (Photo by John McNeil).
