LANSING, Mich. — As Michigan recorded its 200,000th coronavirus case Friday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer urged all residents, legislators and the federal government to work together to help stop the spread of the virus this winter.
Whitmer says we all have a common enemy, which is COVID-19, not each other.
“As we head into winter and the 2020-2021 flu season in Michigan, now is the time for our state to come together and fight this virus on behalf of our families, frontline workers, and small business owners,” Whitmer said.
Read her full statement:
“As we head into winter and the 2020-2021 flu season in Michigan, now is the time for our state to come together and fight this virus on behalf of our families, frontline workers, and small business owners. We have a common enemy, and it is COVID-19, not one another. This pandemic has ravaged our state. We are seeing record numbers of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. If we continue on the path we’re on, we could see 100 deaths every day by Christmas. And it’s not going away. 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.
“I’m ready to work with the legislature to keep our families 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. I recently called on our legislative leaders to pass legislation requiring all Michiganders to wear masks in indoor public spaces and crowded outdoor areas. 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: wear a mask.
“Of course, we still need the president and Mitch McConnell to work across the aisle on a bipartisan relief package that includes more help for unemployed workers, more small business help for women and minority-owned businesses, and more money to safely reopen our schools. Michiganders everywhere are depending on this action from Republicans at the federal level.
“At the end of the day, we all know what to do. Wear a mask, practice safe, physical distancing, and wash your hands frequently. Get your flu vaccine. As we head into the winter months, more people will get sick, more people will be hospitalized, and more people will die from COVID-19. Our job is to do everything in our power to protect each other. Stay smart, and stay safe, Michigan.”