DETROIT – Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said Friday that her decisions related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic would not be political, as battles rage in Lansing.
Here’s what happened Friday:
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Gov. Whitmer says decisions will not be political
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer held a coronavirus media briefing on Friday, addressing her decision to extend the state’s emergency declaration after the state’s Legislature refused.
“Yesterday’s scene at the Capitol was disturbing, to be quite honest. Swastikas and confederate flags and nooses and automatic rifles do not represent who we are as Michiganders,” Gov. Whitmer said, referring to a group of protesters who pushed into the State Capitol building with firearms on Thursday. "We came together as the arsenal of democracy to defeat the Nazis.”
Beaumont Wayne Hospital expected to reopen soon
Officials said Beaumont Wayne Hospital is expected to reopen soon to both patients with and without coronavirus (COVID-19).
The hospital was a COVID-19-only care facility from the end of March until it closed in April.
MORE: Representatives condemn temporary closure of Beaumont Wayne
When the hospital closure was revealed, officials said it was temporary and that it would remain a COVID-19-only hospital in the event that cases spiked.
Whitmer signs Executive Order to resume construction, real estate
Whitmer has signed an executive order to resume construction, real estate and other outdoor jobs starting Thursday.
Whitmer extended the state of emergency through May 28, but she’s now reopening certain types of work that are typically outdoors and have a low risk of spreading the coronavirus (COVID-19), she announced in a release.
Death toll reaches 3,866
The number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Michigan has risen to 42,356 as of Friday, including 3,866 deaths, state officials report.
That number is up from 41,379 confirmed cases and 3,789 deaths Thursday.
The official recovery total is 8,342.
Whitmer blasts state legislators, Trump after they opposed her policies
Michigan politics have gone national over the past 24 hours, and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer added more fuel to the fire Friday, blasting anyone not in lockstep with her policies, including state legislators and President Donald Trump.
Whitmer promised to pull out her veto pen and lay waste to the bills the legislature passed this week, and she’s declared her own state of emergency due to the continuing spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), daring Republicans to sue her.
Michigan introduces text line for mental health support
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services introduced a text line where people can receive mental health support.
Send RESTORE to 741741 to have a confidential conversation with a crisis counselor. The service is available 24/7.
VIEW: Mental health resource guide for people impacted by COVID-19 pandemic
Trump tweets Whitmer 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.
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.