Missed Gov. Whitmer’s Press Conference? Here’s Her Update On The State’s Response To COVID-19

LANSING, Mich. (CBS DETROIT) — Governor Gretchen Whitmer held a press conference Friday afternoon providing updates on the State’s response to COVID-19.

Here are the governor’s updates:

• The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services updated its epidemic order to allow indoor activities where Michiganders can remain masked.
• This includes in-person learning at high schools and indoor entertainment venues.
• Casinos, bowling centers, and movie theatres will be allowed to reopen with a capacity limit capped at 100. Food and drink concessions must remain closed and social distancing requirements must be observed.

December 15 Press Conference

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer held a press conference Tuesday afternoon providing updates on the state’s response to COVID-19.

Here are the governor’s updates:

• Last week the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced an extension of “Pause To Save Lives” to prevent Michigan’s hospitals from overwhelming, protect those serving on the front lines, protect small businesses and slow the spread of COVID-19.

“To the Michiganders and business owners who have doubled down on mask-wearing, social distancing, and limiting indoor gathering where COVID-19 thrives, thank you,” she said.

• On Monday, the first of Michigan’s frontline workers received the Pfizer vaccine.
• Three weeks ago the governor sent a letter to the Michigan Legislature requesting that they take action to protect public health and save lives.
  • In the three weeks since nearly 2,000 people have died from COVID-19, Whitmer said.

“That’s nearly 2,000 parents, grandparents, children, and loved ones who were taken from us too soon,” she added.

The letter to the Michigan Legislation focused on three things:

• Passing a $100 million Michigan COVID relief plan
• Passing a permanent extension of unemployment benefits
• Passing legislation to protect public health

Here are updates from Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services chief medical executive and chief deputy director for health.

Khaldun says there are 560 cases per million per day in the state and has been declining for the past 22 days. All areas of the state have seen a decline in the case rate.

Hospitalizations are also declining. Overall 18.5 percent of hospital beds have COVID-19 patients. The percent of tests that are positive is at 12.3 percent and the number has been “trending down” for the past seven days.

“All of this means, that we are cautiously optimistic that there was not a post-Thanksgiving surge in cases,” Khaldun said.

Case rates remain “alarmingly high” and the percent of tests that are positive is still four times what they were at the beginning of September.

As for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, Khaldun says “it is 95 percent effective and it is safe.”

On Monday, the state also launched its COVID-19 vaccine dashboard. Here, anyone can go to track how many providers are enrolled where the vaccine has been distributed.

Since there is limited supplies of the vaccine, Michigan is distributing the vaccine first to frontline healthcare workers this week. By the end of the month, the state hopes to start vaccinating residents and staff in skilled nursing facilities. Depending on the supply from the federal government, eventually vaccines for other essential workers and those at high risk for severe COVID-19 illness will be available.

“We hope to be able to offer the vaccine to the general public by late spring of 2021,” Khaldun said.

She also added, everyone ages 16 and up should now be planning for how and when they will get the vaccine. Khaldun says the COVID-19 vaccine cannot give you the virus, it only “shares a specific code with your body so your body can recognize the virus later and fight it off.”

Some will have mild side effects due to the vaccine such as:

• a sore arm
• low-grade fever
• general malaise

For the maximum vaccination benefit, there will be two doses for both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. If you get the Pfizer vaccine, the doses will be administered three weeks apart. For the Moderna vaccine, the doses will be administered four weeks apart. Khaldun said these are things to expect and it means that the vaccine is working.

After receiving the vaccine, you must still wear a mask, practice social distancing and wash your hands frequently.

She also urged the public to go to trusted sources when it comes to information on the vaccines visit www.michigan.gov/covidvaccine for more information.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel also warned Michiganders to be aware of bogus COVID-19 vaccines, treatments, test kits, and clinical trial offers during the press conference Tuesday afternoon.

December 10 Press Conference

Here’s the governor’s updates:

• On Thursday, Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-193 creating the bipartisan Protect Michigan Commission within the Department of Health and Human Services to help raise awareness of the safety and effectiveness of an approved COVID-19 vaccine, educate the people of this state, and help protect the health and safety of all Michigan residents.  
  • The Commission will be chaired by:
    • Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II
    • Former Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley
    • Chief Medical Executive and DHHS Chief Deputy for Health Dr. Joneigh Khaldun
    • Detroit Pistons player Blake Griffin
    • Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, MD, MPH, FAAP, associate professor of Pediatrics and C.S. Mott Endowed Professor of Public Health
    • SER Metro CEO Eva Dewaelsche
    • Soumit Pendharkar, MHA, FACHE, health administrator for the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians
    • Spectrum Health President & CEO Tina Freese-Decker
    • Jamie Brown, registered nurse and president of the Michigan Nurses Association 
  • The commission will consist of at least 50 members that will represent the great diversity of our state. 
  • To apply to serve on the Protect Michigan Commission, visit michigan.gov/appointments and apply by Dec. 28.

Thursday is National Get Covered Day and the governor urged Michiganders who need health care coverage to sign up before the Affordable Care Act deadline on Dec. 15. If you haven’t signed up and think you might be eligible, visit healthcare.gov.

Before Thanksgiving, Whitmer sent a letter to the Legislature urging to pass a $100 million relief bill to provide support to families and small businesses in Michigan hit hard by the pandemic. The governor said she looks forward to working with Michigan’s Legislature to enact $50 million to help Michiganders who need it most.

Whitmer added effective immediately, most entertainment recreational venues and restaurants that depend on indoor dining, can postpone their monthly sales, use and withholding tax payments that are due Dec. 20, can be postponed to Jan. 20, 2021.

“The state treasury will wave all penalties and interest for 31 days. This is a crucial step in helping our businesses that are struggling, but we still need the Legislature and the federal government to act,” Whitmer said.

Here are updates from Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services chief medical executive and chief deputy director for health.

Khaldun says there are 514 cases per million per day in the state and has been declining for the past 19 days. All areas of the state have seen a decline in the case rate. The percent of tests that are positive is at 14 percent and the number has been fluctuating up and down for the past few weeks, but has not changed significantly and is “still quite high.”

Hospitalizations are overall trending down over the past week and decreased in all but two regions in the state. Nineteen percent of in-patient beds have COVID-19 patients in them.

There’s also been a slight decrease in testing. Michigan has averaged a little over 56,500 tests per day last week compared to over 59,000 tests per day this week.

The department is also actively preparing to distribute a COVID vaccine when it is approved by the FDA. Khaldun said this could happen as early as the week of Dec. 14.

“A vaccine will only be approved when it has gone through three phases of clinical trials including tens of thousands of people, and the top scientists and doctors in the country have reviewed the data and have determined that the vaccine is actually safe,” she said.

There are two vaccines in the final approval processes. Once they are approved, the department is expected to receive a “limited allocation” of the vaccines and expects to receive shipments every week. The vaccines would then go to hospitals, local health departments, pharmacies and other partners, according to Khaldun.

Based on recents estimates from the federal government, Michigan will receive about 84,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine if it becomes available the week of Dec. 14. The Moderna vaccine — which is a different vaccine — is behind the Pfizer vaccine in the approval process, Khaldun said.

“If it is approved, and that may be later on this month as well, recent federal estimates suggests (Michigan) will receive about 173,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine in the first shipment,” she said.

Khaldun reiterated information provided on the vaccines Thursday, were both estimates and depend on the federal government and the manufacturing process.

“The amount and the timing of these shipments could still change, but we are still making plans to send vaccines to hospitals and local health departments across the state that have the ability to administer and store them,” she said.

The first priority for vaccination will be frontline healthcare workers, as well as people living and working in longterm care facilities. As more vaccines become available, they will be distributed to more people including other essential workers, people with underline medical conditions and people who are over the age of 65.

By late spring, Khaldun hopes the vaccine will be available for the general public.

“It is important that every adult in the state starts making plans for getting the vaccine. Talk to your doctor now about your risk factors and when the vaccine may become available to you,” she said.

For the maximum vaccination benefit, there will be two doses for both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. If you get the Pfizer vaccine, the doses will be administered three weeks apart. For the Moderna vaccine, the doses will be administered four weeks apart.

Here’s what to expect once vaccinated. The vaccines are preparing your body to fight the real virus if it comes into contact with it. This means many will get mild symptoms after getting vaccinated such as:

• a sore arm
• low grade fever
• general malaise

Khaldun said these are things to expect and it means that the vaccine is working.

Khaldun also urged the public to go to trusted sources when it comes to information on the vaccines visit www.michigan.gov/covidvaccine for more information.

December 7 Conference

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has extended Michigan’s partial shutdown by 12 days that restricts indoor social gatherings and other group activities. The order — which was set to expire Dec. 8 — will now be in place through Dec. 20.

Whitmer says the additional 12 days will allow the department to determine the full impact of the Thanksgiving holiday on the spread of COVID-19 across Michigan.

Here’s everything to know about the extension:

• MDHHS continues to urge families to avoid indoor gatherings, and only two households may gather inside, with strict protocols recommended.
• Individuals should wear masks consistently whenever they are inside with individuals not in their household, and are recommended to pick only a small group to see regularly.
• Bars and restaurants must remain closed for dine-in service, but can remain open for outdoor dining, carry-out and delivery.
• Gyms are open for individual exercise with mandatory masking and additional strict safety measures.
• Casinos, movie theaters and group exercise classes remain closed.
• Professional and college sports meeting extraordinary standards for risk mitigation may continue without spectators.
• Colleges, universities and high schools will continue with remote learning, with no in-person classes.
• Employees who work in jobs that cannot be performed from home can continue to go to work, including those in manufacturing, construction and health occupations.
• Outdoor gatherings, outdoor dining and parks remain open.
• Individualized activities with distancing and face masks are still allowed: retail shopping; public transit; restaurant takeout; personal-care services such as haircuts, by appointment; and individualized exercise at a gym, with extra spacing between machines.

What happens after the 12 day extension?

MDHHS also identified three key metrics that will be utilized in determining whether to slowly reopen at the end of the 12 days.

Specifically, the department will be looking closely at the percentage of hospital beds with COVID patients, the number of COVID-19 cases and the positivity rate. With improvements in those numbers in context, MDHHS will carefully reopen, with in-person learning at high schools first. Next in line will be entertainment venues where people can maintain consistent masking, such as casinos, theaters and bowling, with concessions closed.

Here are updates from Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services chief medical executive and chief deputy director for health.

“While we have seen early signs of progress in our case rates and hospitalizations, unfortunately our rates are still alarmingly high and we need more time to understand the impact that Thanksgiving travel may have had on the spread of COVID-19 in Michigan,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health at MDHHS.

Khaldun says over the last week, there’s been an average of 522 cases per million people. Cases have declined for 16 days but are still seven times what they were at the beginning of September.

Percent positivity remains high with a 14.1 percent positivity rate over the last week. The positivity rate was declining after Nov. 19 but in the last week began increasing.

Vaccines may potentially be available later this month, but will have a very limited supply Khaldun said.

“I am hopeful because vaccines will be available soon, potentially later this month. However, it will take time for the vaccine to be widely available to the general public, and it is important that we continue to do what we can to contain this virus.”

To learn more about the coronavirus vaccine, visit here.

MDHHS Director Robert Gordon said each person in the state has “a personal responsibility to wear a mask consistently.”

Gordon also added to “minimizing indoor gatherings,” so “frontline heroes and loved ones” could continue to be protected. “If we don’t, the disease will continue to spread and people will continue to get sick and die,” he said.

On Monday, Michigan reported 9,350 new coronavirus cases for Sunday and Monday and an additional 93 deaths. Monday’s daily case count represents new referrals of confirmed cases to the MDSS since Saturday, Dec. 5. Over the two days, Sunday and Monday, the average number of new confirmed cases is 4,675 per day. This brought the state’s total number of confirmed cases to 404,386 and 9,947.

As of Dec. 4, there’s been 197,750 people that have recovered from COVID-19 in the state.

December 3 Press Conference

Whitmer and the Michigan COVID-19 Task Force on Racial Disparities, Chaired by Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II, released an interim report detailing the significant progress Michigan has made in protecting communities of color from the spread of COVID-19.

“From the beginning, our administration has listened to medical experts and taken a fact-based approach to eliminating COVID-19 in our most vulnerable communities, and we have seen significant progress,” said Whitmer. “Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist and the leaders on the Task Force have been crucial in helping us dramatically reduce the number of cases, hospitalizations, and deaths in communities of color by expanding testing and providing crucial support to community organizations. Our work is far from over, and cases and hospitalizations are still rising statewide, but this team remains dedicated to working with medical experts and protecting our communities, frontline workers, and small businesses. Our immediate focus now is holding our progress, flattening the infection curve, and remaining vigilant with mask wearing and social distancing.”

December 1 Press Conference

The governor proposed a $100 million COVID-19 relief plan for legislators to approve when they returned to session Tuesday.

In her letter, Whitmer wrote, “Michigan families are hurting, and while we must continue to advocate for meaningful support from the federal government, we simply cannot afford to wait.”

The governor also asked lawmakers to pass a permanent extension of unemployment benefits. At the end of the year, approved bills from October lengthening state unemployment benefits from 20 weeks to 26 weeks, will expire.

On Monday, city leaders called for state legislative actions they said would help prevent cuts to vital services such as police and fire protection, without requiring a state handout, the Detroit Free Press reported.

The Michigan Strategic Fund approved $10 million in grant funding to provide support to small businesses across Michigan that have been impacted by COVID-19.

The governor said applications will open for eligible businesses beginning Dec. 15.

To qualify for grant support, businesses must meet a number of criteria, including but not limited to:

• Being a business in one of the targeted industries;
• Identifying a need for payroll, rent, or mortgage payments, and/or utility expenses necessary to continue or restart business operations;
• Having at least two employees (including the owner) but fewer than 50;
• Additional eligibility requirements can be found on Michiganbusiness.org/relief.

Michigan reported 35 new coronavirus outbreaks in Michigan schools Monday. The highest outbreak was reported from Northern Michigan University with 10 cases among the university’s hockey team.

MORE FROM CBS DETROIT: 35 New Coronavirus Outbreaks Reported In Michigan Schools Monday 

Here are updates from Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services chief medical executive and chief deputy director for health.

• Overall, Michigan’s case rate is now at 608 cases per million people and has been declining for the past week.
• All regions in the state have seen a decline in cases over the past seven to 15 days.
• Case rates remain above 500 cases per million people for all areas of the state except for the Traverse City region.
• Test positivity is showing slight improvements with positivity rates declining as well over the past week. Test positivity is now at 13 percent and is down from 14 percent on Nov. 16. Khaldun says it is still higher than the department would like it to be.

At the beginning of November, Khaldun says more people were wearing masks, not gathering and maintaining social distancing.

“We think that is contributing to the decrease in our rate of rise in cases. We will continue to watch these trends as we have throughout the pandemic and case rates and test positivity, and especially looking for those increases from the Thanksgiving holiday,” she said.

“If you did gather or travel during Thanksgiving, you should really make sure you’re trying to stay away from others as much as possible for 14 days after you traveled,” she said.

As for healthcare systems, Michigan still has about 20 percent of in patient beds filled with COVID-19 patients. Khaldun says, overall there are about 4,200 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 across the state.

November 19 Press Conference

On Thursday, Whitmer, Senate Democratic Leader Jim Ananich and House Democratic Leader Christine Greig sent a letter to President Trump, Mitch McConnell, Nancy Pelosi, Chuck Schumer, and Kevin McCarthy urging them to take swift action and pass a COVID relief bill that provides support to help combat COVID-19, mitigate its economic fallout, provide support for Michigan schools and protect frontline workers, restaurants, and small businesses.

Whitmer and the Democratic leaders also urged the federal government to provide support for Michigan’s unemployed workers.

“Nearly 3 million Michigan workers and counting have applied for unemployment benefits since the start of the pandemic, with more than 600,000 still receiving benefits. Rising infections are likely to lead to more layoffs which will only drive this number higher. It is imperative that Congress take action now to extend the UI provisions of the CARES Act, such as Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation, to provide relief to those who lost their job through no fault of their own and to bolster the larger economy,” said Whitmer.

“This virus can be deadly for everyone, that’s why these next three weeks are so crucial. We flattened the curve in the spring by listening to our public health and medical experts we can do this again,” the governor said.

Here are updates from Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services chief medical executive and chief deputy director for health.

• The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced 7,592 coronavirus cases in the state and an additional 134 deaths Thursday.
• The deaths announced Thursday includes 61 deaths identified during a Vital Records review. This brings the state total of COVID-19 cases to 285,398 and 8,324 deaths as of Nov. 19.
• Case rates across the state range from 418 cases per million in the Traverse City region to 934 cases per million in the Grand Rapids region. Test positivity ranges from 9 percent in the Traverse City Region to 16 percent in the Grand Rapids and the Kalamazoo regions.

“Every region in the state is seeing alarming case and test positivity rates,” Khaldun said.

Hospitals across the state are “closer and closer” to becoming overwhelmed and are on average 79 percent full, they are becoming more full of Covid-19 patients, according to Khaldun.

Michigan has the fourth highest number of Covid-19 patients hospitalized in the country behind Texas, Illinois and California.

The chief medical executive said the public health system is also becoming overwhelmed. Case investigators and contact tracers may not be able to reach everyone they need to in a timely way.

“It is very possible if you have been exposed to someone with Covid-19, our contact tracers may not be able to get in contact with you quickly enough to let you know you need to quarantine. That’s why we are encouraging everyone to download the MI Covid Alert App,” she said.

As for Thanksgiving next week, Khaldun says, “The smartest thing is not to gather.”

“Indoor gatherings are a major way that Covid-19 is spreading right now and at the rates we are seeing in the state, it is very likely if you are gathering for Thanksgiving, the virus will also be around the table with you,” she said.

November 15 Press Conference

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services issued a new emergency order today that enacts a three-week pause targeting indoor social gatherings and other group activities in an effort to curb rapidly rising COVID-19 infection rates.

Indoor residential gatherings are limited to two households at one time. The idea is to limit residential and non-residential gatherings where COVID-19 spreads rapidly.

Bars and restaurants will be open for outdoor dining, carry-out, and delivery only.

Gyms will remain open for individual exercise with strict safety measures in place.

Casinos, movie theaters, and group exercise classes will be closed.

Professional and college sports meeting extraordinary standards for risk mitigation may continue without spectators, however, all other organized sports must stop.

Colleges and high schools may proceed with remote learning but must end in-person classes.

“In the spring, we listened to public health experts, stomped the curve, and saved thousands of lives together. Now, we must channel that same energy and join forces again to protect our families, frontline workers and small businesses,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “Right now, there are thousands of cases a day and hundreds of deaths a week in Michigan, and the number is growing. If we don’t act now, thousands more will die, and our hospitals will continue to be overwhelmed. We can get through this together by listening to health experts once again and taking action right now to slow the spread of this deadly virus.”

Monday’s order, which takes effect Wednesday, Nov. 18. The order leaves open work that cannot be performed from home, including for manufacturing, construction, and health occupations.

Outdoor gatherings, outdoor dining, and parks remain open.

Individualized activities with distancing and face masks are still allowed: retail shopping; public transit; restaurant takeout; personal-care services such as haircuts, by appointment; and individualized exercise at a gym, with extra spacing between machines.

Fewer outbreaks have been seen in elementary and middle schools, and younger children are most in need of in-person instruction.

In-person K-8 schooling may continue if it can be done with strong mitigation, including mask requirements, based on discussion between local health and school officials.

Childcare also remains open to support working parents. Throughout this crisis, Michigan’s teachers and childcare workers have served on the front lines ensuring support for working parents and educating our children.

Governor Whitmer’s administration has worked around the clock to protect Michigan’s teachers and childcare workers and the other heroes serving on the front lines of the pandemic.

November 12 Press Conference

In Michigan, more than 3,000 people are hospitalized with the coronavirus and the rate is doubling every two week according to hospital leaders who are calling it “very serious” and an “accelerating trend.”

The governor said asked Michiganders to do their part in flattening the curve was to not overwhelm hospitals, keep people safe and save lives.

“Sadly Covid-19 is not done with us yet. It doesn’t care if we are tired of it or are angry or weary. This enemy is relentless and now the second wave of Covid-19 is hitting us and it’s hitting us hard,” said Whitmer.

Whitmer said Michigan is now in the “worst part” of the pandemic and this is the moment medical experts have been warning us about.

According to the governor, hospitals are nearing capacity and they are “burning through PPE.”

• There are 200,000+ cases of Covid-19 in Michigan
• There are 100,000+ new cases every day in the U.S.
• There are 1,000+ deaths each day in the U.S.

“We’re facing a 9/11 every three days. No one is safe from this virus,” said Whitmer, who added that youth, fame and wealth will not protect people from Covid-19.

Here’s what Whitmer said Michiganders needs to do all of these to stay safe:

• Wear a mask.
• Practice safe physical distancing.
• Wash hand frequently.
• Get a flu shot.

“Just because you’re allowed to do something, just because you can do something, doesn’t mean it is a smart thing to do,” said Whitmer.

Here are more updates from the governor:

• Covid-19 hospitalization are up 5-fold over the course of the last five weeks in their hospitals.
• The number of covid patients in hospitals across Michigan is expected to double in just two weeks to a new all-time high.
• The governor said when healthcare leaders from every corner of the state join to publicly make a plea for decisive action, everyone should listen.
• Right now rural Michigan is getting hit the hardest and is spreading rapidly everywhere.
• Medical experts across the country have strongly recommended families do not host thanksgiving with people from outside of their households.

The governor also provided common mistakes people are making during the pandemic:

• Attending many small gatherings with people you know.
• Not quarantining for two weeks once exposed.
• Getting tested too soon after exposure.
• Assuming friends and family are as careful as you are.
• Assuming that because something is allowed it must be safe.
• Assuming that taking just one precaution will keep you safe.

Here are updates from Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services chief medical executive and chief deputy director for health.

Khaldun says the virus is “out of control” and urged people not to travel for the holidays.

Michigan’s overall case rate is at 416 cases per million people per day. During the Nov. 5 press conference, Michigan’s overall case rate was 261 cases per million people per day. The state’s positivity rate is now at 10.8 percent. Back in September, the state’s positivity rate was 3.7 percent.

“There’s no area of the state that is spared,” said Khaldun.

• UP, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo and Saginaw Regions: have case rates between 497 and 653 cases per million people per day.
• Jackson, Detroit and Lansing Regions: have case rates in the 300s per million people per day.
• Traverse City Region: has the lowest case rate at 278 per million people per day.

“To be clear, this is very concerning, because unlike in the spring, when only those who were very ill could obtain a test, now anyone who wants a test can get a test,” said Khaldun.

There have been over 45,000 diagnostic tests per day, which is the fifth largest total number of tests for any state in the country.

On Thursday, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced 6,940 coronavirus cases in the state and an additional 45 deaths. This brought the state’s total of Covid-19 cases to 236,225 and 7,811 deaths.

To watch the governor’s full press conference, click here.

Nov. 5 Press Conference Updates

Whitmer began by congratulating Joe Biden, Kamala Harris and candidates from Michigan on their victories in the general election.

“On behalf of the people of Michigan, I want to congratulate Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, Senator Gary Peters, Chief Justice Bridget Mary McCormack, and Justice-Elect Elizabeth Welch on their victories. This was a hard-fought election on both sides, shattering the record for the most votes cast in the history of our state, with more than 5.1 million votes and over 3.2 absentee ballots cast,” the governor said.

Whitmer said the people have spoken, and with the election behind us, now is the time for our nation to come together.

“We have a common enemy, and it is Covid-19, not one another. This pandemic has ravaged our state, infecting more than 190,000 people and taking the lives of more than 7,400 Michiganders. As governor, I’m ready to work with the president and our state legislature on areas where we can find common ground to keep our state safe. I remain firmly committed to doing everything we can to slow the spread of this deadly virus, so we can protect the health and safety of our families, our frontline workers, our seniors, and our small businesses. Let’s all mask up, Michigan, and let’s get through this together,” said Whitmer.

Here’s the governor’s updates:

• Fighting this virus has always been a team sport, one that requires leaders from both sides of the aisle to work together to keep Michiganders safe.
• Whitmer sent a letter to Republican legislative leaders urging them to pass legislation requiring all Michiganders to wear masks in indoor public spaces and crowded outdoor areas.
• Wearing a mask protects families, frontline workers and most vulnerable members of society.
• If the legislature is serious about fighting this virus and saving lives, they’ll start by passing the most important life-saving rule of all: weak a mask.
• Families, frontline workers, small businesses and communities across the country are awaiting much-needed action from the federal government.
• Whitmer said Michigan needs the president and Mitch McConnel to work across the aisle to pass a bipartisan relief package that includes:
  • Help for unemployed workers.
  • Support for Michigan’s small businesses and women and minority-owned businesses.
  • More resources to safely reopen Michigan’s schools.
  • Increased testing and PPE supplies to keep people safe.
  • State and local aid.
• Her administration is continuing to take action to protect Michigan workers as cases ramp up and the state continues to fight the virus.
• MIOSHA is increasing its scrutiny on the remote work policies established by Michigan businesses, primarily those in offices.
• Employers must create a policy prohibiting in-person work for employees to the extent that their work activities can feasibly be completed remotely.
• It’s time to double down on mask wearing and safe physical distancing.

• As Michiganders head into Thanksgiving follow the guidance issued by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
  • Get together outside whenever possible. You have up to 20 times higher risk of getting sick inside.
  • If you do get together inside, include no more than two households and 10 people.
  • Wash hands regularly and try not to share utensils.
  • Wear a mask, take it off when you eat or drink, then put it back on.
  • Keep six feet apart as much as you can.
  • When possible, keep voices down; high volume can increase Covid transmission by 30 times.

Here are updates from Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services chief medical executive and chief deputy director for health.

Khaldun says it’s very concerning what the DHHS is seeing across the state. Michigan’s overall case rate is at 261 cases per million people per day. The state is seeing more than five times the number of cases now than in early September. In September, Michigan’s overall case rate was around 57 cases per million people per day. In September, the state’s positivity rate was 3.7 percent (of tests coming back positive). Khaldun says this is an indication there is community spread across the state.

There have been 43,000 diagnostic tests per day over the past week. The state’s positivity rate however is at 7.5 percent (of tests coming back positive) and the rate has been increasing for the past five weeks, according to Khaldun.

• UP Region: has the highest case rate at 509 cases per million people per day. This rate has been increasing for nine weeks straight, Khaldun says.
• Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo Regions: have 370 and 331 cases per million people per day. Both regions have the highest test positivity rate in the state at over nine percent.
• Detroit, Lansing, Saginaw and Traverse City Regions: have over 200 cases per million people per day and a between 5.5-7.7 percent positivity rate.
• Jackson Region: has the lowest case rate at 193 cases per million people per day and the lowest positivity rate at 4.1 percent.

In every region across the state, hospitalizations are increasing and as of Nov. 4 more than 1,900 people were hospitalized for Covid-19.

“That’s almost four times more than we saw at the end of August,” said Khaldun.

She also said if the state continues at the rate it is going with the coronavirus, Michigan could see “up to 100 deaths a day by the end of December.”

The local health departments are investigating over 590 outbreaks across the state, which is the largest number of outbreaks since the beginning of tracking investigations.

Here are some examples of outbreaks from Khaldun:

• A family attended a birthday party which resulted in six cases
• A wedding in the fall resulted in 13 new coronavirus cases
• There have been outbreaks at recreational facilities
• A high school sleepover
• A high school banquet
• There have been multiple outbreaks associated with both K-12 and college sports teams
• There have been multiple outbreaks associated with funerals
• Outbreaks have also impacted workplaces
  • This includes office buildings, assembly plants, manufacturing and a grocery store

“Employers that can have their employees work from home right now, should be doing that. This means most office work and for those companies that really must have their employees come to work, they should be making those work places as safe as possible, and enforcing physical distancing and mask requirements,” said Khaldun.

Oct. 21 Press Conference Updates

Here’s the governor’s updates:

• Whitmer urged Michiganders to vote early and turn in their ballots by hand delivering it to their local clerk’s office.

To my fellow Michiganders, if you have an absentee ballot, don’t toss it in the mail because we are getting too close to the election. You should drop it off at one of the many drop boxes or your clerk’s office now! #VOTE https://t.co/9bmpPXDsCv pic.twitter.com/IpHdgjBx6K

— Gretchen Whitmer (@gretchenwhitmer) October 21, 2020

• Whitmer says Michigan is now at its “peak when it comes to daily new cases.” The state has also seen a steady rise in hospitalizations.
  • This peak is higher than the peak Michigan saw in April.

“Our cases per million have been on the rise” the governor said since the Supreme Court made their ruling.

The Supreme Court ruled that Whitmer lacks the power to issue executive orders in response to the coronavirus pandemic without consent from the Legislature.

“I want you to know that I’m going to use every tool at my disposal to keep you and your family safe,” she said.

• Last Friday, Whitmer signed a set of emergency rules from the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity that secure protections for Michigan workers.
• On Monday, Whitmer signed bipartisan bills codifying her executive order that extends unemployment benefits for Michiganders who have lost work as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic from 20 to 26 weeks until the end of the year.
• Michigan’s Small Business Relief Program awarded $10 million in grants and nearly $10 million in loans to small businesses in all 83 counties in the state.
• Michigan’s Small Business Restart Grants provided $100 million in federal funding for small business relief grants.
• A total of 177 farms and 159 food processors have been awarded $15 million in Michigan Agricultural Safety Grants to mitigate risks of the Covid-19 virus across the state’s food production industry.

MORE FROM CBS DETROIT: Michigan Will Allow Indoor Visits At Nursing Homes

Here are updates from Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services chief medical executive and chief deputy director for health.

Khaldun says Michigan’s overall case rate is at 131 cases per million people per day. In September, Michigan’s overall case rate was around 57 cases per million people per day. The state’s positivity rate is at 4.9 percent (of tests coming back positive). In September, the state’s positivity rate was 3.7 percent (of tests coming back positive). Khaldun says this is an indication there is community spread across the state.

• UP Region: has 337 cases per million people per day and a 9.3 percent positivity rate for tests.
• Kalamazoo Region: has 211 cases per million people per day and a 6.7 percent positivity rate for tests.
• Grand Rapids Region: has 155 cases per million people per day and a 4.6 percent positivity rate for tests.
• Detroit, Saginaw, Lansing and Jackson Regions: have more than 70, but less than 150 cases per million people per day and a 2.6-4.4 percent positivity rate for tests.
• Traverse City Region: remains the region with the lowest rate of 62 cases per million people per day and a 3 percent positivity rate for tests.

Khaldun says local health departments are investigating 393 outbreaks across the state.

“That number continues to grow every week. Top categories for outbreaks remain at long-term care facilities, educational settings and social gatherings,” she said.

Khaldun says the health department is now seeing a lot of outbreaks associated with religious gatherings. There are now 18 new and ongoing outbreaks that local health departments are investigating in this setting.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced 1,586 coronavirus cases in the state and an additional 22 deaths Tuesday.

This brings the state total of COVID-19 cases to 149,392 and 7,053 deaths as of Oct. 20.

In the state as of Oct. 17, there has been a total of 109,539 recovered cases of Covid-19.

MORE FROM CBS DETROIT: Michigan Reports 1,586 New Covid-19 Cases, 22 Deaths Tuesday

Sept. 16 Press Conference Updates

Whitmer said Michiganders should start taking action now with the November election in 48 days. She said Michganders should act swiftly and if those who have not requested their ballots, they should request it here. Ballots will begin being mailed on Sept. 24.

“This year, Michigan has emerged as a leader in facilitating safe elections during a pandemic,” she said.

•  On Tuesday, the Senate passed Senate Bill 757 which allows clerks to begin processing absentee voter ballots prior to election day.
• We are not out the woods yet when it comes to fighting the Covid-19 pandemic. She reminded Michiganders to be smart, mask up and stay safe.

Here are updates from Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services chief medical executive and chief deputy director for health.

Khaldun says Michigan’s overall case rate is at 57 cases per million people per day. The state’s positivity rate is at 3.7 percent (of tests coming back positive).

• Detroit and Saginaw Regions: have more than 40 cases per million people per day.
  • Khaldun said while the cases in these areas are declining, test positivity is increasing.
• Traverse City Region: 31 cases per million people per day.
  • Test positivity is below 3 percent.
  • In this region, both indicators are declining.
• Kalamazoo and Jackson Regions: over 40 cases per million people per day.
• Grand Rapids, Lansing and UP Regions: increased to more than 70 cases per million people per day.
  • These increases are in large part because of outbreaks associated with universities and colleges.

RELATED LINK: Michigan Reports 680 New Covid-19 Cases, 11 Deaths Wednesday

“Our deaths remain steady averaging under 10 deaths per day,” said Khaldun. “We’re glad this number is not as high as it was back in March and April, but our hearts are still with those who are still losing loved ones to this disease. We also know people are surviving after being infected with Covid-19. There are over 85,500 people in Michigan who have survived and are alive at least 30 days after their symptoms, that’s a good sign but I want to be very clear, death is not the only outcome that matters. Many people who survive Covid-19 do not immediately get back to their normal state of health.”

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson called on Michigan citizens and the state legislature to take action now ahead of the Nov. 3 general election.

“Already we’ve had three successful elections this year which saw record turnout, record numbers of citizens voting by mail, and little to no crowding on Election Day. We are on track to replicate this success in November,” said Benson. “Our clerks are doing their part, working tirelessly as they have all year to juggle unprecedented challenges while embracing record turnout. But they and voters need support from the federal government and our state legislature.”

Benson noted that while other states provide days for pre-processing of absentee ballots, Senate Bill 757, passed yesterday by the Michigan Senate would allow only a few more hours, and only limited pre-processing, which is not enough to make a significant difference. Benson also pointed out that thousands of voters were disenfranchised in the August primary because their ballots arrived late or without a signature matching the one on their voter registration. The legislature has not advanced the bills that have been introduced to prevent such disenfranchisement in November.

Sept. 2 Press Conference Updates

Here’s Whitmer’s Sept. 2 updates:

• Whitmer said she had two announcements that will help the state slow the spread of Covid-19 and provide some much needed support to small business owners.
  • MDHHS is partnering with community organizations to launch 12 neighborhood testing sites by the end of the week and more than 20 across the state in the coming weeks.
  • Huntington Bank is making a $5 billion investment to boost Michigan’s economy
    • This plan is part of a $20 billion corporate initiative.
    • “In this critical time when businesses are confronting the extreme challenge of a public health crisis, recession and issues related to social equity, Huntington’s purpose of looking out for people calls us to do more for Michigan’s small businesses, consumers and communities,” said Sandy Pierce, Huntington’s director of Private Banking, Insurance Agency, Vehicle Finance and Regional Banking.

• Tuesday, General Motors announced they would donate two million face masks to Michigan Public Schools as part of the MI Mask Aid Partnership.
• Whitmer said these initiatives will help the state continue fighting the pandemic and protect small business owners.
• Whitmer met with White House coronavirus task force coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx in Lansing Wednesday to discuss Michigan’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Whitmer expressed the need for clear, consistent guidance from the federal government including a national mask mandate that could save thousands of American lives.
  • She also expressed the need for full federal funding for the Michigan National Guard to support Michigan’s testing operations in vulnerable settings like nursing homes and prisons.
• She added the announcement she plans to make in the coming days will protect athletes, coaches, families and small business owners.
  • “I will have more to say on this topic very soon, so stay tuned, keep your eye on the ball and keep working to beat this virus together,” she said.

RELATED LINK: Whitmer Meets With White House Coronavirus Task Force, Requests Federal Support To Expand Testing, Save Lives

Here are updates from Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services chief medical executive and chief deputy director for health.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced 524 coronavirus cases in the state and an additional 14 deaths Wednesday.

Khaldun said this brings the state’s total of COVID-19 cases to 103,710 and 6,509 deaths.

RELATED LINK: Michigan Reports 524 New Covid-19 Cases, 14 Deaths Wednesday

The rate of new cases continues to vary by region. Here’s the data update as of Sept. 2:

Michigan’s overall case rate is at 59 cases per million people per day and has declined in the past week. The state’s positivity rate is at 3.1 percent (of tests coming back positive). This number has decreased over the past week, Khaldun said.

• Detroit Region: has the highest case rate at 66 cases per million people per day.
  • Khaldun said this trend is declining.
• Traverse City and UP Regions: over 40 cases per million people per day.
  • Both regions are being watched very closely.
  • Traverse City has had an increase over the past three weeks.
  • Both regions continue to have higher cases than there were a few months ago.
• Grand Rapids Region: 59 cases per million people per day.
  • This region has seen a recent increase in case rate as well as the percentages of positive cases.
• Saginaw and Kalamazoo Regions: about 56 and 50 cases per million people per day.
  • The Saginaw Region has seen a decreasing trend.
  • Kalamazoo’s case rate has increased.
• Jackson and Lansing Regions: under 40 cases per million people per day.

Outbreaks

• Last week the health department identified 93 new outbreaks.
• Khaldun said the state is working with local health departments to gather names of specific schools that have outbreaks associated with them, receiving accurate data. This information is expected to be posted within the next two weeks.

Aug. 25 Press Conference Updates

Here’s Whitmer’s Aug. 25 updates:

• Ikea donated $1.2 million to Michigan’s Covid-19 response and recovery initative. Whitmer said it’s the largest donation to date.
• Flu season is around the corner. Whitmer said preventing the flu will help save lives and preserve health care resources needed to fight Covid-19.
• Michigan has set a goal of achieving a 33 percent increase in flu vaccinations this season.
• Whitmer says there are still crucial precautions everyone must take to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and the flu. She added until there is a coronavirus vaccine, everyone must do everything in their power to protect each other.

RELATED LINK: Here’s What Gov. Whitmer Said About When Gyms, Theaters Will Re-Open

“It’s more important than ever for Michiganders everywhere to get your flu vaccine. Preventing the flu will help us save lives and preserve the health care resources we need to continue fighting COVID-19,” said Whitmer.

In Michigan, 3.2 million people got the flu vaccine last year. At the end of Tuesday’s press conference, Whitmer received her Flu vaccination. For a list of flu vaccination clinics near you, visit www.flu.gov.

Here are updates from Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services chief medical executive and chief deputy director for health.

RELATED LINK: Michigan Reports 868 New Covid-19 Cases, 4 Deaths Monday

The rate of new cases continues to vary by region. Here’s the data update as of Aug. 21:

• Detroit Region: has the highest case rate at 69 cases per million people per day.
  • Khaldun said this trend has been decreasing over the past week.
• UP and Saginaw Regions: about 57 cases per million people per day.
  • The UP has seen a decrease in case rate over the past week.
  • The Saginaw Region has seen an increase.
• Kalamazoo Region: 53 cases per million people per day.
  • This region has seen a decrease over the past two weeks.
• Grand Rapids Region: 40 cases per million people per day.
  • This region has seen a decrease over the past two weeks.
• Traverse City Region: about 32 cases per million people per day.
  • This region has seen an increase over the past two weeks.
• Jackson and Lansing Areas: around 25 cases per million people per day.
  • This region has seen decreases over the past one-to-two weeks.

Khaldun says overall the percent of positive coronavirus tests are at a 3.3 percent an is holding steady.

“Ideally we would want that number to come down even lower, below three percent” she said.

The state is aggressively tracing coronavirus outbreaks which according to Khaldun are happening in every region of the state.

Last week, local heath departments identified 70 outbreaks they were investigating. Now, information about these outbreaks will be posted weekly here.

Khaldun said with flu season just around the corner and the continuation of the coronavirus, it is very concerning.

“People with symptoms of the flu will need to stay out of school and work or they can get very sick and need to be admitted to the hospital and even, God forbid, they could lose their life. This is not a joke,” she said.

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