Here is what you missed on Local 4 News at 4:After a recent surge in COVID-19 cases in the Upper Peninsula, or MERC Region 8, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-192 moving the region back to phase 4 of the MI Safe Start Plan.

LANSING, Mich. – After a recent surge in COVID-19 cases in the Upper Peninsula, or MERC Region 8, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-192 moving the region back to phase 4 of the MI Safe Start Plan. The executive order will go into effect Friday, Oct. 9 at 12:01 a.m., according to the governor’s office. region over the past several weeks and consulting with medical experts, I have decided to take action to protect U.P. The most recent case rate, adjusting for lag, has the region with 283 absolute cases per million and 5.1% positivity.

Phase four allows districts to resume some in-person learning, but with a number of safety protocols in place to prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). Regions in phase five would be allowed to resume in-person learning with fewer safety measures in place. However a recent uptick in COVID-19 cases in Michigan has established doubt over whether resuming in-person learning is safe at all amid the pandemic. Whitmer said Tuesday that she won’t be making any decisions about in-person learning until the last minute when the most recent data is available. In-person learning would only be prohibited in Michigan regions that return to phase three of the MI Safe Start Plan.

Gretchen Whitmer has a reopening plan that she revealed in May. She revealed six phases of her “MI Safe Start Plan,” designed to reengage the state’s economy since it was first shut down in March. Other than the Upper Peninsula and Traverse City Region, the entire state has been in the fourth phase of Whitmer’s reopening plan -- the “Improving” phase. Whitmer moved the entire state to phase four on June 1 after it was stuck in phase three for more than three weeks -- since the MI Safe Start Plan was introduced May 7 . The state’s stay-at-home order was lifted on June 1.

WEST BLOOMFIELD, Mich. The West Bloomfield School District announced Thursday its plans for reopening K-12 schools in the fall amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Elementary and middle school students, however, will engage in a blended-learning model in the fall while in Phase 4. Officials say cohorts will be comprised of about 15 students in elementary schools and about 18 students in middle schools. Community members can learn more about the districts fall plans during Zoom presentations at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. on July 21. Regions experiencing phases 5-6 can also offer traditional in-person learning with fewer protocols in place.

LANSING, Mich. With positive coronavirus (COVID-19) cases ticking up, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said shes not afraid to shut the state back down if the trend continues. Whitmer said Michigan could have moved to phase five of her reopening plan by Fourth of July, but shes pulled back because of troubling trends. So not having bars serving indoors -- thats one thing, Whitmer said. COVID-19 is still very present in Michigan, and this is not a time for Michiganders to let their guards down.

LANSING, Mich. Hair, nail and massage businesses across the state of Michigan will be allowed to reopen on June 15, Gov. On Sunday, the state announced 513 new confirmed cases of the coronavirus, as well as an additional 28 deaths. As the daily rate of new cases and deaths continues to decline and overall testing ramps up around the state, Whitmer has started reopening certain sectors of the economy. Michigans economy got a much-needed boost when Whitmer announced she would reopen manufacturing, including the Big 3 automakers. Ford, General Motors and Fiat Chrysler would be allowed to reopen at the beginning of the following week, Whitmer announced May 7.

Gretchen Whitmer will provide an update Monday on the states current coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and response. As the daily rate of new cases and deaths continues to decline and overall testing ramps up around the state, Whitmer has started reopening certain sectors of the economy. In short, the model outlines how the state goes from a total lockdown due to the uncontrolled spread of COVID-19 to returning to normal. Most of Michigan appears close to qualifying for the Improving phase, and both Khaldun and Whitmer confirmed that Friday afternoon. If we continue on the trajectory were on, well be moving more regions of the state forward in the coming days," Whitmer said.

Gretchen Whitmers reopening plan Monday. Whitmers coronavirus (COVID-19) reopening plan consists of six stages. On Monday, six of the eight regions moved from the Flattening stage to join the other two regions in the Improving phase. Whitmers reopening planRight now: Phase 4According to the MI Safe Start Plan, heres what the Improving phase means:"Cases, hospitalizations and deaths are clearly declining. Whats next: Phase 5The next phase of the reopening phase is called Containing.During Mondays daily coronavirus briefing, Whitmer said she plans to move the Upper Peninsula and Traverse City Region -- the two regions that have been in phase four for multiple weeks -- into phase five.

HOWELL, Mich. The Livingston County Health Department is releasing public health guidance to be used as a planning tool for various businesses and community operations. The tool will assist industries as they consider what they need to do to reopen safely when allowed under the Executive Orders. As Livingston County residents continue to do their part in helping to slow the spread of COVID-19, businesses and organizations can do the same by implementing the reopen workforce guidance. The reopen workforce guidance provides specific information for industry leaders and is categorized by industry type. Included in the guidance is the MI Safe Start Plan, which outlines Governor Whitmers plan to re-engage the Michigan economy.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer appeared Tuesday on TODAY’s 3rd Hour to discuss the reopening of Michigan’s economy. Whitmer cleared northern Michigan counties to partially reopen bars, restaurants and retail under her MI Safe Start Plan. MORE: Why Northern Michigan was chosen for next phase of Gov. Still, Whitmer says her decision to allow a partial reopening in northern counties is based on data and not political pressure. Whitmer reopening businesses in parts of Michigan“I’m not going to succumb to political pressure or political demonstrations or social media pressure," Whitmer said.

DEARBORN, Mich. – Ford Motor Company announced Saturday that it will test symptomatic employees for COVID-19 in southeastern Michigan to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) as employees return to work. May 16, 2020: Michigan coronavirus (COVID-19) cases up to 50,504; Death toll now at 4,880Ford officials say that contracts have been signed with Beaumont Health to “quickly test hourly and salaried employees with suspected symptoms of COVID-19." “Fast and accurate testing is a key tool in the effort to help stop the spread of COVID-19,” said Dr. Walter Talamonti, Ford Medical Director. “These contracts will allow us to test employees with suspected symptoms and have results back within 24 hours. Ford is also implementing this testing process for employees in Kentucky, Missouri and Illinois.

Gretchen Whitmer introduced another piece of her plan to reopen the state Monday, but Republican lawmakers say it isn’t enough. MORE: What does the “MI Safe Start Plan” mean for reopening Michigan? Under the “MI Safe Start Plan," businesses will open based on which workplaces pose the least risk of coronavirus (COVID-19) transmission. “And the answer was it put too many people back to work.”Shirkey said he wants to see bolder action as the state moves to reopen. VIEW: Here’s what was reopened under the revised stay-at-home orderWhitmer said he wants to work with the Republican leadership, but Shirkey says he’s not interested in waiting any longer.

Gretchen Whitmer will hold a news conference Monday afternoon to address the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. UPDATE: Whitmer introduces ‘MI Safe Start Plan’ -- What does it mean for reopening Michigan? Last week, Gov. Stores selling nonessential supplies can reopen for curbside pickup and delivery. Whitmer is expected to announce more details on the state’s reopening plan this week.