LANSING, Mich.—Governor Gretchen Whitmer on Friday ordered that U.S. and Michigan flags around the state be lowered to half-staff to honor and mourn the loss of life to COVID-19.

“The coronavirus pandemic has had devastating impacts on families across our state,” Whitmer said in a press release. “I’m directing flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of those we have lost to this awful virus. The flags lowered will serve to remind us all that every life lost is a story and legacy of a loved one gone too soon."

Michigan residents, businesses, school buildings, local governments, and other organizations are also encouraged to display flags at half-staff starting on April 10.

To do so, flags should be hoisted first to the peak and then lowered to the half staff position. The process is reversed before the flag is lowered for the day.