(WWJ) Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says a temporary partial shutdown — including a ban on indoor dining and some business closures — is working to slow the spread of the coronavirus in Michigan.
The stricter orders enacted by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, what officials are calling a "Pause to Save Lives," are currently set to expire in December 20. High schools and colleges are also restricted to virtual learning during this time.
Speaking at a news conference Tuesday, Whitmer said, "The good news is that we are making progress. It is working."
Displaying a graph showing the seven-day average of COVID-19 cases in Michigan, Whitmer said cases are beginning to decrease.
"This dip in cases correlates with the days that the DHHS' target and tempoarty safety protocols have been in place," Whitmer said. "Simply put: What we're doing is working. The vast majority of Michiganders are taking this seriously and doing heir part to help us eradicate this virus."
The goal, she said, is to stop hospitals from being overwhelmed.
Noting that affected businesses and workers are struggling, Whitmer continued her call on the state Legislature to come to terms on a financial relief package.
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"People out there who've spent a lifetime building their small business are hanging on by a thread," the governor said. "And since the federal government hasn't been able to pass a bipartisan bill to help our small business owners, we here in Michigan have got to step up and take action."
"I'm ready to sign a bill," she added. "So it's crucial for the Legislature to find some common ground and pass a targeted, state-based economic stimlus plan."
In that plan, Whitmer said she'd like to see money for out-of-work employees, as well as for the business themselves.
Looking ahead, Whitmer would not answer when asked by reporters when bar and restaurant dining rooms will be allowed to reopen.
While the numbers are looking better in recent days, she said she expect January and February to be very hard months.
"It's all very tenuous, and that's why we've got to keep taking this very seriously," the governor stressed. "'But what we're doing is working, and that is the good news."
Last week, Whitmer said when the "pause" ends, the state will have to "re-engage slowly."
Regarding the upcoming holidays, Whitmer repeated what she said before Thanksgiving, asking Michiganders to stay home and celebrate with those in their own households.
"Today I joined a bi-partisan group of governors to urge Michiganders to stay safe this holiday season," Whitmer said. "If you are planning to travel or gather with other households for the holidays, we are urging you to reconsider.
"Just don't do it this year, so we can resume doing that next year when it's safe to do so."
Whitmer also urged Michiganders to "shop small" and support small, local businesses while doing their holiday shopping.
Also touched on at Tuesday's briefing was Michigan's coronavirus vaccination campaign, when began with frontline health care workers on on Monday.
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MDHHS Chief Deputy for Health Dr. Joneigh Khaldun said, for now, those eligible to get their shot in the coming weeks will be notified by their employer, such as a hospital or longterm care facility. She urged residents to visit Michigan.gov/COVIDVaccine for the most recent information on the vaccine in Michigan.
See a breakdown of the latest COVID-19 statistics in Michigan at this link.