(WWJ) While Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said she was glad that President Donald Trump has extended U.S. social distancing guidelines through the end of April — she's not quite ready to do the same for Michigan.
"I think that the president's actions are warranted by the science and I was pleased to see that," Whitmer said at a news conference Monday.
That leaves open the question of when Michigan schools may be back in session; although Whitmer hinted that an answer to that is coming soon.
"We are continually evaluating data and information as we know it," she said.
"I would anticipate that we will have a need to have an expansion (of the "Stay Home, Stay Safe" order). I'm not prepared to announce one in this moment, but we are looking very seriously about what our plan is to meet the educational needs of our students, and I would anticipate another press conference yet this week on that subject."
Whitmer's "Stay Home" executive order means students are out of the classroom until at least April 13, 2020.
The schools question remains top of mind for parents scrambling to keep kids busy and teachers wondering what's going to happen next.
Speaking live on WWJ Newsradio 950 last week, Gov. Whitmer said bluntly that it was "very unlikely" kids would be going back this school year. On the possibility of schools reopening, the governor said, "We are working diligently to come up with a plan to meet the needs of our kids. Anyone who's watching globally what's happening with this pandemic probably knows it's not going to be this year."
She added in the WWJ interview that the plan for schools and students living in quarantine under the coronavirus outbreak is not one that can be developed overnight, but it is in the works and would be announced soon.
Also discussed at Monday's news conference, Whitmer said state officials signed two supplemental budget bills to provide $150 million to coronavirus response efforts; and that $80 million has been spent on needed medical supplies.
“Residents across the great state of Michigan need to know that the Executive and Legislative branches of state government are working together to do whatever is necessary to ensure an effective response to COVID-19," Whitmer said. “The additional funding provided today, along with the supplies and funding provided by the federal government, helps ensure that Michigan has the necessary resources to save lives and slow the spread of COVID-19."
Whitmer also called on volunteers, especially those in the medical profession, to step up and help. The state has launched a new volunteer website where medical professionals can register to assist hospitals in fighting COVID-19, and other residents can find out how they can help in their local communities. LEARN MORE HERE.