NEW:
Gov. Whitmer issues a "stay at home' order that goes into effect just after midnight and lasts 3 weeks. Whitmer says COVID-19 cases doubled over the weekend and the disease continues to spread exponentially. She criticizes the national governement's response.
She says, "Do not panic. Do not hoard."
This order means schools will be closed at least thorugh April 13.
"Our action will save lives," Whitmer said.
"Doing this now shortens the time our economy suffers."
"Coming back will take time and it won't be easy."
The order was issued with an exemption for certain workers, outdoor exercise and trips to the grocery store or hospital. The order, which will take effect at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, will allow essential employees necessary to sustain and protect life to continue going to work. Businesses also can exempt workers needed to conduct minimum basic operations. Michigan has more than 1,328 cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus. 15 deaths have been reported.
Read the order here.
EARLIER POST:
LANSING, Mich. (AP) — A government official tells The Associated Press that Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will announce a statewide stay-at-home order to curb the spread of the coronavirus, with an exemption for certain workers.
A high-ranking administration official who had direct knowledge of the measure says the order, which will take effect at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, will allow "essential" employees necessary to sustain and protect life to continue going to work.
The person was not authorized to speak publicly before the Democratic governor's scheduled 11 a.m. Monday news conference. Michigan has more than 1,000 cases of COVID-19, the disease called by the virus. Nine deaths have been reported.
