Protesters Outside State Health Director's Home Demand 'Open Michigan Now'

Protesters convened outside the state health director’s home Tuesday evening (December 15), demanding he “open Michigan now” as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

The demonstration of at least a dozen was streamed in a Facebook video, according to the Detroit News. The group met in a nearby parking lot and ventured together to the home of Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Director Robert Gordon.

Michigan is under an epidemic order that restricts gatherings as officials strive to curb the spread of COVID-19. That includes closing movie theaters, stadiums, restaurants and more, while transitioning to virtual learning and remote working, when possible.

The protest outside Gordon’s home was not the first outside a state official’s home in recent weeks, which Attorney General Dana Nessel deemed “very concerning.”

"Last night was something different: people came to my home in the dark of night, screaming through bullhorns, scaring my children and trying to intimidate me," Gordon said in a statement. "That is wrong, and, in case anyone is wondering, it’s a waste of time. We are going to keep following the proven, science-based steps to save lives and get Michigan through this pandemic.”

"I know it’s challenging for everyone, especially for small business owners, but it is what is necessary for us to get to the other side with as many of our loved ones as we can,” he said.

Michigan has tracked more than 482,800 total cases and nearly 11,600 total deaths as of Wednesday (December 16), the latest data available. Michigan’s statewide case fatality rate is 2.5%.

The state order, the “pause to save lives,” was extended through at least December 20.

Although it’s not clear whether the order would extend past that date, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer urged Michiganders to avoid in-person gatherings during the upcoming holidays.

“No matter what…I am discouraging people from gathering for Christmas,” Whitmer said during a recent press conference. “It doesn’t mean we cancel Christmas… (It means we) celebrate in a responsible way…In order to make sure that next year’s celebration can be like last year’s, this year’s has to be smart.”

Photo: Getty Images