Gov. Whitmer
Gov. Whitmer on Thursday (Photo: State of Michigan)
Emphasizing that she relies on experts' advice and is looking out for residents, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Thursday extended the state's stay-home order through May 28.
It's a move expected to trigger more controversy among Michiganders, some who were saw the May 15 deadline as far too restrictive and economically crippling.
"It is crucial that we see this through," Whitmer said. "Letting our guard down now squanders all of the hard work we've put in up until now."
At the same time, the governor lifted some restrictions on manufacturing.
She emphasized the importance of tamping down the number of confirmed Covid cases, and noted that Michigan has the third-highest number of deaths (4,343) in the country even though it's the 10th-largest state.
"The worst thing we can do is open up in a way that causes a second wave of infections and death, puts health care workers at further risk, and wipes out all the progress we've made," Whitmer said. "That's why we will continue to monitor the spread of this virus, hospital capacity, testing rates, and more as we work toward reaching the ‘improving’ phase."