(WWJ) Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer say she's invited her family to a video chat instead of a big Thanksgiving dinner this Thursday, and she wants you to do the same.
With just two days to go before the holiday, Whitmer spoke to state residents in a Thanksgiving address via video.
"If you are planning to spend Thanksgiving with people outside of your own household, I urge you to reconsider," Whitmer said. "This year, I'm going to host a Zoom call with my family, so we can still talk about the things we are thankful for, in lieu of hosting an in-person dinner like I usually do."
The governor urged Michiganders to picture in their minds the family and friends with whom they spent Thanksgiving last year.
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She said none of us wants to guilt of getting together and unwittingly spreading the coronavirus to someone we love
"As hard as it will be not to see them in person this Thanksgiving, imagine how much harder it would be if their chairs are empty next year," Whitmer said. "We must make short term sacrifices for our long-term health."
This message from the governor echos guidenance from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, as well as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as coronavirus cases continue to spike in Michigan and nationwide.
The greatest concern in Michigan in recent days is overwhelmed hospitals, as statewide hospitalizations are now higher than they were back in April.
Michigan's total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases now totals over 314,000, with 150,000 of those people considered recovered. MDHHS says 8,543 people in Michigan have died.
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With all that in mind, Whitmer is asking all Michiganders to "do their part to protect, our frontline worker and our small businesses" by observing public health officials' safety guidelines this holiday season.
Find a detailed breakdown of Michigan coronavirus stats, including information on outbreaks and where to get tested, at michigan.gov/coronavirus/.