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Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Tuesday extended her state of emergency declaration in Michigan through Aug. 11. The announcement came as the state reported 584 new Covid cases and six deaths.
Gretchen Whitmer: "The virus is still a very real threat in our state." (Photo: State of Michigan)
"Covid-19 has now killed more than 6,000 people in Michigan," Whitmer said in a statement. "That’s more than 6,000 of our parents, grandparents, friend and neighbors. And the rising numbers we’ve seen over the past few weeks prove that this virus is still a very real threat in our state."
The emergency order lets Whitmer take unilateral actions to battle the pandemic without legislative approval. The GOP-controlled legislature has gone to court in hopes of diminishing her powers.
Not so long ago, the state was recording less than 250 daily Covid cases.
“Throughout this crisis, the vast majority of Michiganders have done their part, but we must remain vigilant and continue to do everything we can to protect our loved ones,” said Whitmer. “That means wearing a mask over your mouth and nose and practicing safe physical distancing when going out in public."
(Graphic: Michigan Department of Health and Human Services)
Plus, more cases involve younger people, who are more likely to survive the virus than the elderly. While cases have risen in Michigan in recent weeks, deaths remain flat. Medical experts have said they're learning better ways to treat Covid patients to keep them alive, and have used more restraint before putting patients on ventilators.
In Metro Detroit, Wayne County has confirmed 11,186 cases and 1,1183 deaths, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Detroit, which keeps seperate statistics, is slightly ahead of Wayne County, and has recorded 11,995 cases and 1,459 deaths.
Macomb County has confirmed 7,670 cases and 892 deaths, while Oakland County has had 9,645 cases and 1,068 fatalities.
