COVID-19 restrictions are getting stricter in Michigan over the next three weeks as state officials brace for a spike in cases around the holidays.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer cautioned: “If we don’t act now, thousands more will die.”
The announcement comes at the heels of a press conference in which state officials urged people to reconsider in-person holiday plans this year.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said Sunday evening (November 15) that new restrictions would come into play. They’ll be in place from Wednesday (November 18) through December 8, Local4 reported Monday morning (November 16).
The new restrictions mean attending school or work remotely, unless in-person work is essential It also means banning indoor dinning, closing some businesses — including bowling alleys, movie theaters and others — and others, according to Local4.
“Indoor gatherings are the greatest source of spread, and sharply limiting them is our focus,” MDHHS Director Robert Gordon said. “The order is targeted and temporary, but a terrible loss of life will be forever unless we act. By coming together today, we can save thousands of lives.”
On Thursday (November 12), Whitmer projected that Michigan “could be hitting our daily peak of deaths…come Christmas.”
She and others advised the public to continue wearing masks, social distancing, frequently washing hands and to get a flu shot, among other precautions to help prevent COVID-19.
"If you are smart now, you may be able to have a safe holiday with your loved ones alive this time next year," Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun said Thursday.
As of Saturday (November 14), the latest data available, the state has tracked more than 275,000 total cases and more than 8,300 total deaths. Officials have administered more than 6 million tests statewide to date.
“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,” Whitmer said. “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.”
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