Gretchen Whitmer held her second COVID-19 briefing of the week Friday to discuss the future of in-person learning, vaccine distribution and how current trends affect the possibility of reopening restaurants in the state. READ: 8 Michigan businesses cited for COVID-19 safety violations, state saysHere are the takeaways from the Jan. 8, 2021, briefing. Public schools encouraged to reopenWhitmer “strongly encouraged” Michigan public schools to reopen for in-person learning by the beginning of March. Whitmer recommended schools resume in-person instruction by March 1 or earlier. Vaccine not required for teachersThe governor said she doesn’t think teachers should be required to get the COVID vaccine because support for it is increasing.

Gretchen Whitmer “strongly encouraged” Michigan public schools to reopen for in-person learning by the beginning of March. 8 takeaways from Whitmer’s COVID briefing: In-person learning, vaccine distribution, restaurantsPublic schools in Michigan were shut down during the fall due to a surge in COVID-19 cases. “The value of in-person learning for our kids is immeasurable, and we must do everything we can to help them get a great education safely,” Whitmer said. Whitmer recommended schools resume in-person instruction by March 1 or earlier. Ensuring school plans are in place in coordination with their local health department if there are any positive COVID-19 tests.