Governor Gretchen Whitmer had one message during a COVID-19 update on Monday: wear a mask. She said mask wearing can reduce COVID transmission by 70%, something people ought to think about if they want schools to re-open in person this fall.
“September 8 is only 55 days away,” Whitmer said. “For perspective, let’s remember than 55 days with COVID-19 can dramatically show a huge increase or a decrease depending on what we all do.”
Whitmer said the mask-related stabbing in Eaton County this week was tragic. She was asked about police agencies that have announced they won’t enforce her mask orders, and said many agencies will.
“Sheriffs in Oakland, Bay, Marquette, Muskegon, Kent, Washtenaw, we’ve got a lot of leadership in this state who want us to be successful in this, and that’s why it’s my hope that all law enforcement officers are going to wear their masks and ensure that everyone in their community is safe. They’ve sworn an oath to uphold the law, and right now the law is that everyone has got to mask up.”
The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department has said it will not enforce the order, while the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department has essentially said it’s impossible to enforce due to a loophole. Whitmer said she’s speaking with some police agencies this week about the issue.
