(WWJ/AP) Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says it you want restrictions lifted — stay home like you're supposed to.
Speaking at a news conference Monday, Whitmer compared the fight against COVID-19 to the sacrifice needed during World War II, criticizing protesters who flocked to the Michigan Capitol last week to denounce her weeks-long restrictions against work and gatherings.
"President Trump called this a war and it is exactly that. So let's act like it," Whitmer, a Democrat, said.
"In World War II, there weren't people lining up at the Capitol to protest the fact that they had to drop everything they were doing and build planes or tanks or ration food," the governor said.
It was the second time that the governor publicly went after the thousands of protesters who drove and honked past the Capitol last Wednesday.
"To all the people who disagree with the actions that I've taken, or who feel their rights are being infringed, I want to say this: We are taking a limited action for a limited amount of time to save people's lives," the governor said.
"Who among us wants to be that person who unwittingly brings this virus into their household? Who in this great state actually believes that they care more about jet skiing than saving the lives of the elderly or the vulnerable? This action isn't about our individual right to gather; it's about our parents' right to live."
About 150 people stood on the Capitol grounds with signs that portrayed Whitmer as a dictator who was depriving them of a living with her stay-at-home orders and business shutdowns. While an estimate hundreds of stayed in their vehicles may not have spread of contracted the virus, the governor said they blocked traffic and at least two ambulances making runs to Sparrow Hospital.
Looking ahead, Whitmer said she is continuation to work with a team of medical and business experts on the best way to begin reopening the state's economy.
She noted that her current "Stay Home, Stay Safe" executive order expires at 12 a.m. May 1.
"What happens depends on how these next ten days go," Whitmer said. "To those of you who are hopeful we'll be able to start loosening some restrictions — stay home now to better make the odds that we're able to to that in ten days."
"To those of you who want to get back to work as soon as possible...stay home," she added. "To those of you who made plans for June, July or August and want to see them through...stay home."
What happens next, she said. depends on every single one of us doing their part.
That also includes, the governor announced, her voluntarily taking a 10% pay cut.
The governor's update comes as the state health department reported a daily rise in new coronavirus cases and COVID-19 deaths, but both were smaller than the new numbers disclosed Sunday. Cases increased by 576 to 32,000, while deaths rose by 77 to 2,468. Reads more on the latest numbers, including cases and deaths by county, at this link.
Meanwhile, also announced Monday, Michigan's Chief Medical Officer Dr. Joneigh Khaldun said COVID-19 testing is being opened up to first responders, health care workers and all essential employees in Michigan — even those who do not have symptoms. To find a testing site, VISIT THIS LINK.
