Whitmer holds press conference, emphasizes continued use of masks

LANSING — Governor Gretchen Whitmer held a press conference Thursday morning to provide an update on the COVID–19 response in the state.

The governor noted the recent uptick of cases around the state during the press conference, and referenced a video of a 4th of July celebration that ignored social distancing guidelines and mask requirements.

While she did not implement any new restrictions around the Upper Peninsula, or the state as a whole, she reminded the public that the use of masks should be taken seriously otherwise additional measures may be taken.

“I want to be very clear, right now the law requires that anyone in an enclosed public space has to wear a mask, and that means every store you’re going into,” said Whitmer. “And we are reviewing that requirement, and considering whether or not we need to take this a step further to strengthen compliance. Because we cannot let our guard down.”

Most people that have been seen in the video, as well as pictures and videos of local celebrations, are younger. Whitmer pointed out that 1 in 5 new cases are patients between the ages of 25 and 34 to show that simply being young is not protection from the virus.

“Youth will not protect you from carrying and spreading this virus to your friends, and family, and neighbors,” Whitmer said. “We’ve all got to work together to protect one another. And that means wearing a mask. Masks can reduce spreading COVID-19 by about 70%.”

Governor Whitmer emphasized that we’ll all have to work together to get through this crisis, saying that we, as a state, have been a leader in the nation before during this crisis, and we can achieve that again.

To watch the full press conference, click here.