Michigan governor issues 'stay at home' order for 3 weeks

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has issued an executive order directing businesses to suspend in-person operations that are non-essential. It also orders Michiganders to stay home unless they are essential workers, getting exercise outdoors or going to the hospital, pharmacy or grocery store.

The order goes into effect at 12:01 a.m. March 24 and lasts until April 13 at 11:59 p.m.

“In just 13 days, we’ve gone from 0 to over 1,000 COVID-19 cases,” said Governor Whitmer. “This is an unprecedented crisis that requires all of us working together to protect our families and our communities. The most effective way we can slow down the virus is to stay home. I know this will be hard, but it will be temporary. If we all come together, get serious, and do our part by staying home, we can stay safe and save lives.”

“Taking aggressive action to protect our communities is the most important thing we can do to mitigate further spread of COVID-19,” said Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Chief Deputy for Health and Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun. “If we do this now, we can make sure our hospitals and healthcare workers are prepared to take care of the sickest people. It is crucial that people do the right thing by staying home and staying safe.”

The executive order prohibits businesses from requiring employees to leave their homes unless they are workers necessary to sustain or protect life.

Workers that are necessary to sustain or protect life include those in health care and public health, law enforcement and public safety, grocery store workers, and more. 

Click here to read the Executive Order for further information