LANSING, Mich. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced Friday a new initiative that will provide free face masks to vulnerable populations amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Vulnerable populations may have difficulties buying masks and our schools need face coverings to keep students, staff and community members safe. Face masks have been scientifically proven to significantly reduce a persons chance of spreading COVID-19, officials say. (MDHHS)Michiganders in need can obtain a free face mask a distribution location near them. Whitmer and other Michigan officials have been pushing for residents to wear face coverings amid the pandemic through the Mask Up Michigan initiative.