Dr. Scott Atlas, a member of President Donald Trump's White House Coronavirus Task Force, said in a tweet that Michigan should "rise up" after new COVID-19 restrictions were announced on Sunday night.
Related: Whitmer announces '3-week pause' to include ending in-person dining, closing movie theatres & more
"The only way this stops is if people rise up. You get what you accept. #FreedomMatters #StepUp," he tweeted
The only way this stops is if people rise up. You get what you accept. #FreedomMatters #StepUp https://t.co/8QKBszgKTM
— Scott W. Atlas (@SWAtlasHoover) November 15, 2020
According to CNN, Whitmer told Wolf Blitzer on Sunday night "We know that the White House likes to single us out here in Michigan, me out in particular. I'm not going to be bullied into not following reputable scientists and medical professionals."
Related: State leaders, other groups react to 3-week pause in Michigan over rising COVID-19 cases
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel also responded to the tweet, saying in part, "This statement is disappointing, irresponsible, and the reason why the United States finds itself in such desperate circumstances regarding COVID-19. I look forward to a new federal administration that works cooperatively with our state government to protect Michigan residents."
A patriot is one who protects America from its enemies, both foreign and domestic. COVID-19 is the enemy, not each other. Stop pitting Americans against each other and start supporting policies proven to effectively fight the virus.
— Dana Nessel (@dananessel) November 16, 2020
Earlier this year, President Donald Trump tweeted "LIBERATE MICHIGAN!" More than a dozen people have been charged in an alleged plot to kidnap Whitmer.
In a press conference held Sunday evening, Whitmer and state health officials announced a "Three-Week Pause" aimed at mitigating the spread of the virus.
During these three weeks, which are between Nov. 18 and Dec. 8, the state will mandate that these operations be closed:
- in-person learning at high schools, colleges and universities
- Theaters, stadiums and arenas
- All who are able to work from home will be required to do just that
- Dine-in restaurants and bars
- Organized sports, except professional sports
- Bowling centers, ice skating, indoor water parks
- Bingo halls, casinos, arcades
- Group fitness classes
Related: MHSAA suspends fall sports tournaments, winter sports amid 3-week pause
There will be several areas that will remain open, according to the state. Those include:
- Hair salons, barber shops & other personal services
- Gyms and pools for individual exercise
- Retail stores
- Indoor gatherings limited to two households & 10 people
- Small outdoor gatherings limited to 25 people
- Preschool through 8th grade
- Childcare
- Public transit
- Manufacturing, construction, other work impossible to do remotely.