Governor Reaffirms Decisions on COVID

Governor Whitmer and Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth Director Jeff Donofrio answer questions from the media

Calls Out DeVos on demonstration support

During Monday’s news conference Governor Whitmer responded to criticism of her measures by reasserting her decisions based on the available science to prevent the spread of the COVID virus.
“We have tough days ahead of us but those days when we will be able to come  together again is on the horizon. While some people are grieving the loss of their freedom others are grieving the loss of their loved ones.”

Operation Gridlock is a demonstration planned for Wednesday with various groups opposing the level of quarantine in the state planning to circle the capital building at noon.
​
From their fb site:
 People always say: “Conservatives never protest because they are too busy working.” 
Well, guess what.  You’re not working-- so it’s time to PROTEST.
Everyone, every citizen, every business owner needs to get out of their house, out of their chair and get in their car, or truck, or anything that is legal to drive on taxpayer funded roads.  Then drive to Lansing to circle the Michigan Capitol Building at 100 N. Capitol Avenue at noon on April 15.  
Come prepared for a traffic jam in Lansing! We WANT gridlock. 
High NOON drive around the Capitol- honk horns, paint cars or bring signs. SHOW UP.
Do not park and walk - stay in your vehicles! 

Governor Whitmer was asked about the planned event and while supporting the right to demonstrate also responded with hope the people involved would remain in their vehicles and not put first responders and others at risk.

“I support people’s rights to demonstrate and to use their voice. I hope when people are looking at social media they are dispelling and taking on the dissemination of demonstratively inadequate information.”

She also called out Secretary of Education Betsy Devos.
“I would also add that this group is funded in a large part by the DeVos family and I think it's inappropriate for a member of the President’s cabinet to be waging political attacks on any governor. I think they should disavow it and encourage people to stay home and be safe.”

As of 10am Monday there have been 25,635 confirmed cases in the state and 1,602 deaths.
There were 997 new cases reported today and 115 deaths.
Newaygo County is reported to have had 6 confirmed cases thus far.