Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says she’s prepared for criticism if she has to adjust the state’s reopening plan due to recent spikes in coronavirus cases.
Whitmer, who slightly dialed back Michigan’s reopening prior to the Fourth of July weekend, defended her decision on Tuesday, citing recent case increases in the state. The governor closed indoor service at bars, which had been making 70% of their sales from alcohol prior to the holiday, and said other businesses that have reopened could be shut down again if necessary.
“We dialed it back right before the Fourth of July because we see these numbers increasing. So, not having bars that are serving indoors, that’s one thing, but we’re going to continue to monitor the numbers, and if they keep moving up, we’re doing to dial back if we have to, and that’s the last thing any of us want,” Whitmer told CNN.
“I want to reengage this economy more than anyone, but I’m not going to do it if it’s too risky to do so, and that’s why we’re staying focused on the epidemiology. I’m not going to be bullied into moving before it’s safe, and if we have to move back, we’re gonna,” she added.
“I’m not going to be bullied into moving before it’s safe, and if we have to move back, we’re going to [do that,]” @GovWhitmer says as Michigan revises its reopening plan amid a resurgence of Covid-19 cases.https://t.co/oWB2Xe2OJ2 pic.twitter.com/GMGKJnfZNQ
— New Day (@NewDay) July 7, 2020
Michigan is currently in Phase 4 of its Safe Start Plan, which includes six total phases. The Upper Peninsula and some parts of the Lower Peninsula had already moved into Phase 5, which includes the reopening of theaters and gyms. Whitmer suggested that the numbers could delay the reopening of gyms and theaters longer overall and that other businesses that have opened, such as hair salons, may have to dial back.
She also said she’s aware of the pushback she received for her strict stay-at-home measures when the pandemic was at its peak.
“I took a lot of heat when we brought that curve down,” Whitmer said. “We saved thousands of lives. I’m prepared to take heat if that’s what it’s going to take to keep people safe.”
Coronavirus cases have been spiking in recent weeks, particularly in the southern region of the country, which has prompted state and local leadership to introduce stricter measures, such as mandating face coverings in public areas.
“The numbers that we’re seeing in the South in particular are really concerning,” Whitmer said. “We have not seen that kind of uptick yet, but that’s precisely what we’re trying to avoid.”
The United States has now had 3 million cases of the coronavirus and over 130,000 deaths, leading the world in both categories.
