(WWJ) A new study by the World Health Organization found it is rare for asymptomatic people to spread coronavirus -- a fear of the unknown that helped spur shutdowns across places like Michigan. So, does the new information mean that everything --including casinos -- will reopen to asymptomatic people?
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer discussed that Tuesday morning live on WWJ 950, and dashed hopes for anyone who believes the newest study will bring a total return to public life, including mass gatherings.
"We have reengaged the vast majority of our economy," Whitmer said, adding, "We know it still is not viable to have big groups of people congregating so we're not going to do that."
The fact the WHO is still learning about this tells you the novelty of the virus, and how important it is to stay vigilant against it, Whitmer added, saying, "We have to do what the best science and epidemiology tells us. We have to keep our guard up and not make assumptions."
Still, the governor had reassuring words for those raring to re-enter the casinos and for cities like Detroit that are dependent on the millions of tax dollars they bring.
When are the casinos going to reopen? "I think that casinos are going to be coming online soon," the governor responded. "We're going to continue to move forward." She said more information about casino reopening will be forthcoming in a few days. reopening guidelines approved Monday by the Michigan Gaming Control Board include new safety protocols: social distancing, sanitizing, masks. Smoking will be banned, as will buffet meals and poker games.
Meanwhile, defunding police departments is a major demand of protesters across the country in the wake of George Floyd's death in Minneapolis -- and some regional and national leaders are throwing their support behind the effort. When people fear death at officer's hands, it's time to do away with police, many protesters believe.
So, how does Whitmer feel? Asked by WWJ 950's morning show on Tuesday, Whitmer said it's time to take a look at the way Michigan, and every other state, is policed.
"There's obvious frustration across our country in the wake of George Floyd and people are banding together to say enough is enough," Whitmer said, adding, "These efforts to now say that we need to take a look at all police organizations, we should. I agree with that aspect of it ... Building communities, and not just policing communities is the goal."
She added that building communities means ensuring that African American entrepreneurs have opportunities and feel safe.
She added that during a recent march, she was among those who stopped to pray for first responders.
"Keeping the peace is very different than policing communities," Whitmer said. "Every person should be able to have confidence that if they're pulled over, it's not going to end in their death. As a white American, I don't worry that getting pulled over is going to end in my death."
At the march where she was involved abolishing policing was not the goal. The goal was fixing it.
She added that government can't solve it alone, which is why it's so important to have other voices at the table. "We all have to be a part of getting this right, and we're not getting it right unless we all are," the governor said.
The death of George Floyd brought a moment that has culminated in the whole world paying attention and "We need to rise to the challenge and we need to do it together," Whitmer said.