The state of Michigan is not yet following the lead of Illinois in closing down restaurants and bars due to the coronavirus pandemic, but Governor Whitmer continues to stress the need for social distancing to flatten the curve of the outbreak.
“By practicing social distancing, where we create at least six feet of physical space between one another, we can slow down the number of infections and hopefully give our healthcare system more time to respond,” the governor said Sunday evening. But, she said too many people in Michigan have not been heeding that advice.
“I saw pictures of people cramming into facilities, not observing the social distancing we know is critical to public health,” said Whitmer. “I found those incredibly disturbing as well, and certainly at the local level there are decisions to be made, but I think you’ll see some at the state level in short order,” she said in response to a question about closing restaurants and bars.
On Sunday, she urged everyone to do their part to protect the health of all in the state.
“This disease is a challenge unlike any we’ve seen in our lifetimes. Fighting it will create a significant, but temporary, change in our daily lives,” added the governor. She also urged Michiganders to stagger trips to the grocery store to allow employees time to restock shelves.
Schools are closed for three weeks starting Monday, and the Michigan Gaming Control Board is also set to close down all casinos temporarily.
