Live at 3 p.m.: Whitmer addresses extending Michigan state of emergency
DETROIT – Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is set to address her extension of the state of emergency, which will keep many businesses closed due to the coronavirus (COVID-19).
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Whitmer is expected to speak around 3 p.m. Friday. You can watch live in the stream here.
Michigan Legislature sues governor over emergency orders, use of power during COVID-19 pandemic
Thursday’s legislative session to decide whether to approve an extension of Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s emergency declaration had hundreds of protesters, some armed, demanding and end to the stay-at-home order.
“You know, I live in rural Michigan and there have been no deaths. Why are we locked down? You know, we are social distancing we’re not being stupid. We just want our freedoms so we can get our economy up and running,” said Angie Bakus, who came from Tecumseh to protest.
Trump tweets Michigan governor should talk with ‘angry’ protesters
President Trump took to Twitter on Friday morning to urge Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to speak with “angry” protesters and “make a deal.”
“The Governor of Michigan should give a little, and put out the fire. These are very good people, but they are angry. They want their lives back again, safely! See them, talk to them, make a deal,” the President tweeted.
Protesters, some of whom were armed, filled the Michigan state Capitol on Thursday demanding Michigan reopen. Michigan has been under a stay-at-home order in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic since March 23. The state of emergency first went into effect on March 10 when Michigan first announced confirmed cases of COVID-19.
Here’s what happened Thursday:
Gov. Whitmer extends State of Emergency after Legislature refused extension
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed an Executive Order on Thursday extending the State of Emergency through May 28.
The Republican-led Legislature refused to extend the declaration. Whitmer was asking for a 28 day extension before she extended it herself.
MORE: Extending State of Emergency is not the same thing as extending stay-at-home order
Whitmer signs order extending closures of theaters, bars, casinos, and more
Whitmer signed an order extending her previous order that temporarily closes places like theaters, bars, casinos and more. The order also limits restaurants to carry-out and delivery orders only.
Places of business are still allowed to offer food and beverages but they must use delivery service, window service, walk-up service, drive-through service, or drive-up service.
The Executive Order is effective immediately and lasts until May 28.
Protesters flock to Michigan Capitol demanding state reopen
Protesters, some armed, filled the state Capitol on Thursday, demanding Michigan reopen.
Michigan has been under a stay-at-home order in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic since March 23.
“This is the people’s House, you cannot keep us out,” the protesters chanted inside the Capitol building.
Oakland County extends local State of Emergency until May 15
The Oakland County Board of Commissioners voted Thursday to extend the local State of Emergency until May 15.
The original declaration was made March 13 by County Executive David Coulter in response to the first cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Michigan.
At that point, there were only three confirmed cases of the virus in the county. As of Thursday, there are 7,267 cases in the county.
Death toll reaches 3,789
The number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Michigan has risen to 41,379 as of Thursday, including 3,789 deaths, state officials report.
That number is up from 40,399 confirmed cases and 3,670 deaths Wednesday.
The official recovery total is 8,342.
Wayne County begins layoffs, furloughs to address budget shortfall
Officials said Wayne County will lay off or furlough 227 employees and leave 606 positions unfilled.
This is meant to address a budget shortfall caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, and save the county $30.3 million. There is a $152 million projected deficit.
READ: Wayne County projects COVID-19 to cause at least $152 million deficit
Oakland County officials work to address number of COVID-19 cases in nursing homes
Nursing homes have been among the hardest hit places during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and that was the focus in Oakland County as leaders there unveiled new plans to address the issue.
MORE: Michigan nursing homes unprepared for COVID-19 outbreak
Explore Michigan virtually
How about some good news?
While you are social distancing, you can explore Michigan virtually.
The #VirtualPureMichigan campaign will include live cameras showing places such as Traverse City, Holland and Frankenmuth, as well as virtual tours of museums, and other related educational experiences.
How COVID-19 Spreads
Person-to-person spread
The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
- Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
- Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
Can someone spread the virus without being sick?
- Spread is possible before people show symptoms. People who are not showing symptoms can still be carrying the virus and can still pass it on to other people.
Spread from contact with contaminated surfaces or objects
It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
How easily the virus spreads
How easily a virus spreads from person-to-person can vary. Some viruses are highly contagious (spread easily), like measles, while other viruses do not spread as easily. Another factor is whether the spread is sustained, spreading continually without stopping.
Prevention and Treatment
There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
MORE: Beaumont Health launches coronavirus hotline for patients with symptoms
People who think they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider immediately.
Question about coronavirus? Ask Dr. McGeorge here.