As the end of August arrives on our doorstep on the other side of the weekend, Michigan has hit a dubious milestone, registering its 100,000th confirmed case of COVID-19 since the pandemic arrived on our threshold in March.
Learning of the marker, Gov. Whitmer issued a new statement urging residents of the state to work together to defeat the virus.
Here is what she had to say upon learning the news:
“Since the first cases of COVID-19 were recorded in March, the vast majority of Michiganders have done their part to protect themselves and their loved ones. And because we took some of the most aggressive actions against this virus in the nation, Michigan is faring far better than other states in terms of new cases and deaths, and our economy is moving closer to where it was in March. The same cannot be said for other states that closed down late and reopened early – states like Florida and Texas. Michigan has shown the rest of the country what it means to take aggressive action against COVID-19, but our work is far from over. The COVID-19 pandemic is still a very real threat to our families, our brave frontline workers, and our economy.
“For nearly six months now, families across Michigan have been losing loved ones – parents, grandparents, siblings, children, and friends. Our frontline workers in hospitals, child care centers, grocery stores, and more have worked grueling hours and put their lives on the line to protect us. We owe it to all of them to continue working around the clock to protect one another. I will continue to do my part, follow the data, and work with medical experts to save lives and slow the spread of COVID-19. But I can’t do it alone. All of must do our part.
“We still need the president, Mitch McConnell, and the U.S. Senate to put partisanship aside and pass a bipartisan recovery package that will help us save lives and get people back on their feet. Michigan families, frontline workers, and small business owners are counting on the federal government to do the right thing and work together on their behalf.
“This virus demands to be taken seriously. Youth will not protect you from this virus. This virus will not go away when we get tired of it. We must continue to fight back against COVID-19. That means wearing a mask, practicing safe physical distancing, and doing everything in your power to protect you and your loved ones. And as we approach the 2020-2021 flu season, make sure you get your flu vaccine. Stay smart, and stay safe. Michiganders are tough. We will get through this together.”
Meanwhile, Michigan’s Democratic Party Chair, Lavora Barnes, used the occasion to attack President Donald Trump. Here is her statement issued this afternoon:
“Reaching this horrific milestone is a damning indictment of Donald Trump’s failed response to COVID-19. For months, this chaotic president ignored warnings, failed to provide necessary PPE, downplayed the deadly threats to Michiganders, and berated local leaders who dared to act when he refused. Seven months into this pandemic, as our schools struggle to open and Michigan’s working families struggle with an unemployment rate that has doubled, it’s clear Donald Trump still has no real plan to contain this pandemic. But it didn’t have to be this bad. With real leadership in the White House, we could have contained this virus, saved countless lives, put our students back in school, and Michiganders back to work. With leaders like Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, I know we can get our state back on track.”
Governor Whitmer also updated an Executive Order regarding electronic notarizations. Under Executive Order 2020-173, requirements for in-person notarizations are temporarily suspended and transactions that require a notary to be completed via two-way, real-time audiovisual technology are allowed. The order also permits the use of electronic signatures in all cases, except in rare circumstances when a physical signature is specifically required by statute. The order takes effect immediately and extends the validity of notary commissions through September 30, 2020.
Whitmer had this to say while signing that Executive Order update: “Many Michiganders have done their part in the fight against COVID-19 by wearing a mask and practicing physical distancing. But COVID-19 is still a very real threat to our families, our frontline workers, and our economy,” and adding, “This executive order will protect more people during this ongoing public health crisis by reducing unnecessary interactions while providing a pathway for people to conduct business as usual.”
To view Executive Order 2020-173, click the link below:
