DETROIT – Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s response to the state’s coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has been met with criticism from some and vocal support from others.
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On social media this week, men and women have shared posts using the hashtag #MIWhitmersWomen to show support for the governor amid the pandemic.
The social media movement was coordinated by StateWide Indivisible Michigan (SWIM), encouraging women and men to share the hashtag in solidarity with the governor.
Along with the messages of support are photos of women posing as Rosie the Riveter -- a cultural icon for women during the World War II era.
Stay home. Stay safe. Save lives. #MIWhitmersWomen pic.twitter.com/vk0QeGK7Xf
— SBP (@sbethp) April 20, 2020
I am a #MIWhitmersWomen and have @GovWhitmer back! We will defeat COVID19 and keep our families safe. @SWIMIndivisible @IndivisibleTeam @maddow @CNN
Posted by Audrey E. Smith on Monday, April 20, 2020
People from around the country have shared the hashtag to support the governor and her response to the pandemic.
I am proud to stand with @GovWhitmer, and every other strong woman who refuses to back down from doing what is right!
— Rae Wall 🌊 (@Pixie_Ray) April 20, 2020
From Denver, CO, today I am one of #MIWhitmersWomen! #StayHomeSaveLives pic.twitter.com/1j8JR5WxBK
I grew up in MI, I now live on the other side of the lake in IL and I definitely support #thatwomaninmichigan Stay safe and strong everyone! Artwork courtesy of my 13 year old amazing daughter #MIWhitmersWomen pic.twitter.com/rsR42oAQhC
— TeeKaye Cottontail says "Stay Home!"✍🏻 (@bee_n_dashmama) April 20, 2020
The support comes right before Whitmer extended Michigan’s stay-at-home order on Friday. After garnering criticism for a “strict” stay-at-home order, Whitmer loosened some restrictions to allow certain businesses and activities to resume under social distancing guidelines.
Whitmer told the Associated Press that “Michigan’s COVID-19 experience was tougher than just about any other state."
As of 1 p.m. Saturday, there are 36,641 COVID-19 cases and 3,085 deaths in the state of Michigan.
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