LANSING, Mich. — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags in the State Capitol Complex and on all public buildings and grounds across the state be lowered to honor those who have died of COVID-19.
It’s in accordance with a proclamation issued by President Joe Biden and is effective immediately through Friday, according to a news release Tuesday.
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“As we lower the flags to honor and remember the 500,000 American lives, my heart is with the families of loved ones who passed away from this vicious virus,” Whitmer said. “Our nation grieves as we continue the fight to eradicate COVID-19. The quickest way out of the pandemic is through equitable distribution of the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines.”
Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments and other organizations are also encouraged to display the flag at half-staff.
To lower flags to half-staff, they should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position.
The process is reversed before the flag is lowered for the day.
Flags should be returned to full-staff on Saturday.