GRAMov. Gretchen Whitmer released her COVID-19 disaster and emergency statement Tuesday. The extension will expire at 11:59 pm on August 11.
Executive Order (EO) 2020-151 marks the third time Whitmer has extended the statement since EO 2020-4, issued on March 10. Whitmer’s subsequent EO 2020-67 and EO 2020-68, issued on April 30, also extended their emergency and disaster statements, but were challenged by the state legislature.
The Michigan Court of Claims ruled on May 21 that the governor had the authority to issue EO 2020-67 under the state’s Emergency Powers Act, but lacked the authority to issue EO 2020-68 under the Michigan Emergency Management Law. Both sentences are under appeal and oral arguments are scheduled for August.
“COVID-19 has now killed more than 6,000 people in Michigan,” Whitmer said in a press release. “That is more than 6,000 of our parents, grandparents, friends, and neighbors. And the growing numbers we’ve seen in the past few weeks prove that this virus remains a very real threat in our state. ”
In EO 2020-151, Whitmer declared Michigan’s progress in fighting COVID-19 “stagnant.” He warned of an “acute risk of a second wave” and noted: “Life will not return to normal in the future.”
According to state data, Michigan reported 543 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 on July 13, compared to 2,974 patients with COVID-19 on April 27. Fewer than 10 people died each day in the first 13 days of July, or 127 deaths, compared to 232 deaths on April 21, the state’s highest single-day loss attributed to the virus.
“Throughout this crisis, the vast majority of Michiganers have done their part, but we must remain vigilant and continue to do everything we can to protect our loved ones,” said Whitmer.
“That means wearing a mask over your mouth and nose and practicing safe physical distance when going out in public. If we all do our part now, there is a greater chance that schools can resume in-person learning in the fall. Be smart, stay safe and mask yourself, ”she added.
Last week, Whitmer issued an executive order requiring Michigan residents to wear masks in all interior public spaces. EO 2020-147 allows multiple exemptions, but imposes a fine of $ 500 for each violation. The EO went into effect on Monday, but several law enforcement agencies have publicly stated that they will not enforce it.
.
