(WWJ) Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has signed an executive order once again extending the State of Emergency in Michigan.
Executive Order 2020-127, which extends the state of emergency declaration related to the COVID-19 pandemic through July 16, is Whitmer's 127th executive order this year.
In doing so, the governor's office notes Whitmer joins nearly every state in the country in maintaining a state of emergency to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic.
The purpose of the order is to allow Whitmer to continue using executive powers granted by Michigan law only in an emergency. Michiganders should note that the State of Emergency is separate from Whitmer's stay-home order, which has been lifted while some restrictions remain in place.
- Read Executive Order 2020-127 -
Whitmer said it's a necessary move so that she can continue taking action to protect Michigan families and workers.
"The aggressive measures we took at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic have worked to flatten the curve, but there is still more to be done to prevent a second wave," Gov. Whitmer said. "We owe it to the heroes on the front lines to keep doing our part by wearing a mask when in public and practicing social distancing. Now is not the time to get complacent. We must continue to stay vigilant and flexible in order to reduce the chance of a second wave."
A new report released by the Imperial College COVID-19 Response Team shows the aggressive actions taken to protect Michigan families from the spread of COVID-19 have significantly lowered the number of cases and deaths that would have occurred had the state done nothing. Without intervention, Michigan might have experienced 28,000 more positive cases before June 1, the governor's office says.
"The data backs it up: The Stay Home, Stay Safe Order undeniably saved lives," Whitmer said. "Very few states dropped their infection rate as low and for as long as Michigan has, and I want thank everyone who stepped up to do their part to protect our communities."
With the reduction in COVID-19 case counts, Whitmer has relaxed restrictions over the last several weeks on business activities and daily life. On June 1, she announced that most of the state would move to Phase 4 of the governor's Start plan, allowing retailers and restaurants to resume operations. Hair salons and other personal care services followed two weeks later. And on June 10, the Upper Peninsula and the region surrounding Traverse City were moved to Phase 5 allowing for the reopening of movie theaters, gyms and bowling alleys.
If current trends continue, Whimer said the rest of the state will be moved to Phase 5 by July 4.
Michigan's death toll from the coronavirus topped 5,800 as of Thursday, as the state health department reported 26 new deaths. There were 225 new confirmed cases of the virus bringing the statewide total to 60,618. The most new cases per capita in the past two weeks were in Branch, St. Joseph, Tuscola, Oceana and Kent counties.
