(WWJ) Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is giving answers to what she says are the most common questions her office has been getting about the state's response to COVID-19.
"I know that these are uncertain times," the governor said, at a news conference Monday, "and I know people have a lot of questions about what is going on, what is going to happen....My team and I are committed to answering as many questions as possible, so today I wanted to get a few of them in."
1). If no one in my social circle has been sick, or had any symptoms, why can't we get together and socialize in person?
Answer: "Every one of us responds to this virus differently," Whitmer said. "You could be carrying COVID-19 and not even know it. In fact, a lot of people are completely a-symptomatic when they have COVID-19, and that goes for everyone in your social circle. Just one person who's carrying this could infect all of the people around them; up to 40 people a day, and in-turn thousands in days."
Whitmer says the most important tool to fight the virus in social distancing. "Until we have a vaccine, until we can do more to keep people safe, social distancing is still the best tool that we have, and we're all safer at home," she said. So make use of Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Facetime or whatever tools you have to keep in touch with your friends and loved ones, stay connected and support one another.
2). Why can't we just allow regions with lower numbers of cases go without restrictions or stay-home orders?
Answer: COVID-19 is still present in 79 out of 83 counties in Michigan, the governor said. "It it still a real presence all across our state, and accordingly it is still threat," she added, noting once again that just one person with the virus can infect thousands in a matter of days.
While working on reopening the economy slowly, Whitmer said her team is looking into ways to phase in some reopenings by region, or labor sheds. "We're looking at this epidemic to ensure the density and the trajectory is in the right path, so that we can consider some, perhaps regional differences. So there is a chance that some regions will reengage at difference paces than others."
3). What updates do we have on the state unemployment system, and do we have enough money in the UIA (Unemployment Insurance Agency) fund?
Answer: Whitmer acknowledged the long waits people have experienced in receiving their unemployment benefits. She said she knows it's frustrating, and said the state is working to improve the system. "Most of the remaining workers who have not received benefits will be eligible in the coming weeks once they complete the federal requirement to certify their claim," Whitmer said, stressing that every Michigander who is eligible for unemployment benefits will get the money.
Whitmer said said Michigan has already paid out $4 billion in benefits to more than 1.1 million unemployed workers.
As for the UIA, Whitmer said Michigan has the third highest trust fund balance in the nation. If necessary, she said, the state will borrow from the federal government, interest free, until the end of the year.
4). What if my job is calling me back to work, and I am worried about my health? Do I have to go?
Answer: No you do not. "I have signed an executive order stating that businesses cannot punish you if you stay home because you've tested positive for COVID-19, if you're experiencing symptoms, or have come in contact with someone who has,"Whitmer said. "We need to ensure that employees who are sick or have someone sick at home, stay at home."
Whitmer added that places of work need to have practices in place to keep employees safe, and under her orders manufacturing facilities, which are reopening this week, must send workers home if they're suspected to be sick. If you think have symptoms, go home and get tested. (Find a testing site).
5). What is the state doing to keep prisoners safe? And is the state releasing prisoners on parole?
Answer: "Michigan has tested more prisoners than any state in the country," Whitmer said, noting that the state is expanding testing at prisons, with the help of the state National Guard. As of Sunday, she said, over 12,228 inmates were tested; 2,152 of which were positive.
She said the parole board is taking measures to let non-violent offenders who are eligible out. Last week the parole board patrolled 225 people, Whitmer said, adding that the number this week is projected to be 273, and 253 next week.
6). What about Michigan state parks and campgrounds? Will they be open as the weather warms up?
Answer: Whitmer said state parks are open, but asks that visitors maintain social distancing, which means staying six feet apart from people outside your household, to prevent the spread of the virus. "My team and I will continue to monitor the data coming from the state parks," Whitmer said.
At this point, Michigan state parks campgrounds are set to remain closed through at least June 21.
For answers to more COVID-19 FAQ, visit this link.
This update comes as health officials say the rate of new infections in Michigan has dropped 25% over the past week; and 14,000 people are now being tested per day in the state.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services on Monday reported there are 414 new cases of COVID-19 in Michigan, and 33 new deaths. That brings the totals to 47,552 cases and 4,584 deaths throughout the pandemic.
Whitmer said the declining case counts are a cause for "cautious optimism," although we must all continue to do our part — including staying home when we can, and wearing masks when we go out. The stay-home order — which Whitmer is now calling "Safer at Home" order — remains in effect through May 28.
