Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced an executive order in a press conference at 11 a.m., Monday, March 23 that will go into effect at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, March 24 and allow citizens to leave their homes only if they work in ‘critical infrastructure’ services or engage in permitted activities, such as walking, cycling, running or any other recreational activity.
The “stay home, stay safe” order will last at least three weeks, through April 13, according to the governor. Those who do leave home for permitted reasons must adhere to social distancing measures recommended by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which include separating by at least six feet from those nearby.
“In just 13 days, we’ve gone from zero to over one thousand COVID-19 cases,” Whitmer said. “This is an unprecedented crisis that requires all of us working together to protect our families and our communities. The most effective way we can slow down the virus is to stay home. I know this will be hard, but it will be temporary. If we all come together, get serious, and do our part by staying home, we can stay safe and save lives.”
The governor also said that this order will extend school closures for at least another week. Previously, schools were going to be allowed to open beginning Monday, April 6 – this date will now be pushed back to Monday, April 13. Whitmer said more information on this specific topic would become publically available in the coming days.
“We will keep working around the clock to keep Michiganders safe,” Whitmer said. “Our aggressive action today will help mitigate how many people get sick and how long our economy suffers. This is a test unlike any we’ve seen before. We will get through this, but be smart. Take this seriously because it is serious.”