Gretchen Whitmer in Detroit this summer (Photo: State of Michigan)
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is urging the White House Coronavirus Task Force coordinator, Dr. Deborah Birx, to recommend a national mask mandate and expand testing.
The exchange between the two came in a meeting in Lansing on Wednesday morning.
"What’s needed is more support at the federal level to help us expand testing, ensure everyone wears a mask while in public, support our frontline workers and small businesses, and save lives,” Whitmer said in a statement afterward. “I reiterated the need for enhanced federal leadership and clear, consistent communication across the Administration."
The governor also told Dr. Birx she's concerned about the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suddenly discouraging asymptomatic testing among people exposed to the virus.
“This updated guidance, while voluntary, runs counter to what we are learning about this disease and jeopardizes our ability to return to school and work safely,” she said.
