Asking, Not Telling, But...

Governor Whitmer speaks at recent press conference as Dr. Khaldun looks on

Despite request for 2 weeks of remote, county schools to continue in person learning, sports.
 
With COVID-19 cases on the rise dramatically in the state Governor Whitmer used her Friday press conference not to issue more restrictive orders, but to make a plea for residents to voluntarily follow recommendations aimed at stopping the current surge.
 
“Policy change alone won’t change the tide,” she stated. “We need everyone to step up and to take personal responsibility here.”
The recommendations included opting for dining al fresco or maybe take out  in lieu of taking a table inside and  suspending in person activities for youth sports for the next two weeks.
She also urged high schools to shift to remote learning for 2 weeks to combat the possibility of a surge spurred by spring break travel.
 
Michigan Education Association President Paula Herbart: “When we say that the health and safety of our students must be our priority, that’s not just lip service or a catchy message. As educators, nothing is more important to us – which is why we fully support the governor’s call for in-person high school learning and youth sports to take a two-week break amidst rising COVID-19 cases.”
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 Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health: “As a parent and former student-athlete myself, I understand how important athletics are to our children’s physical and mental health. However, parents and athletes need to understand the risk involved with youth sports if they choose to participate. We’ve seen that the younger population has played a significant role in transmission during this most recent spike. I urge youth sports organizers to pause in-person activities for the next couple weeks.”
 
And while some folks might adapt their  dining decisions and some youth leagues may ponder postponement, the schools in our county look to be unanimous in staying with in-person learning and continuing with scheduled sports and other activities.
 
Fremont Superintendent Ken Haggart: “The Governor made an announcement this week requesting all high schools return to virtual-only instruction and that all youth sports be paused.  We want to assure you that we have carefully considered this request, and that our local circumstances do not yet meet this level of reaction.  We will continue to communicate with the local health department, and make decisions that best support our students.  With that in mind, we feel it is important to let everyone know that in-person instruction will continue, and our athletic teams will keep playing and competing.”

Grant Superintendent Brett Zuver: “With Governor Whitmer's announcement this morning there have been some things we have had to discuss and look at today.  There have been discussions with many other area school districts, each one obviously has its own unique needs and circumstances to consider. Here at Grant Public Schools, we will remain open and all sports will remain scheduled as planned.If something changes, such as an order that will impact our requirements, we will re-evaluate if needed.” 

White Cloud and Newaygo will also continue in person learning and spring sports for now.

President & CEO of Spectrum Health Tina Freese Decker also spoke at the press conference expressing concern over the recent surge,
“Based on the increase in positivity rates and hospitalizations, we need the help of Michiganders,” said. “We ask you to practice the safety behaviors that we know work and get vaccinated as soon as possible. This will help us slow the spread and hopefully this will be our last surge.” 

Spectrum Health's Tina Freese Decker urges safety measures, vaccinations.