DETROIT (AP) — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says she has no plans to tell Michigan residents to strictly stay at home to cut the spread of the cornonavirus.
Whitmer's comments were made a day after the California governor told residents to stay inside except for essential jobs, errands and some exercise.
The governor has tried to reduce the virus by limiting crowds at popular gathering spots and closing schools. Bars, fitness clubs and theaters are closed, and restaurants can only prepare food for carry-out.
As of late Friday, March 20th, at least 549 people in Michigan have tested positive for coronavirus, and three people have died.
Michigan doctors and dentists have been ordered to postpone all nonessential medical procedures. Meanwhile, people who are suddenly out of work because of the coronavirus threat have flooded the state with claims for unemployment aid. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says medical procedures should be scratched unless necessary to preserve health and safety. Unemployment claims continue to rise. The state says more than 55,000 people this week filed through Wednesday, an increase more than 15-fold above normal.
Whitmer also signed an executive order today suspending evictions for non-payment of rent through April 17th. The emergency action is part of the state's response to the coronavirus crisis.
