LANSING, Mich. (WXYZ) — Michigan’s Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun says that the growth in the numbers of cases appears to be slowing. It appears we are in the plateau that epidemiologists have talked about. Now the goal is to get on the other side.
“A plateau and cases still means there are a lot of cases and deaths occurring, and we need to be mindful of this as we move forward in our response,” said Dr. Khaldun.
The state’s Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun says it is key that right now everyone works together to continue this positive trend.
“Social distancing remains the single most important thing we can do to save lives,” she said.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer shared a chart during her Friday briefing on the COVID-19 crisis, showing what epidemiologists predicted would happen without social distancing and what has happened thanks to social distancing.
She says it shows everyone taking part is saving lives. She says she is working with epidemiologists and public health officials to determine when the best time is to open businesses back up, while avoiding a second wave requiring future stay at home orders.
“There is no one more eager to reengage sectors of our economy than I am. But the last thing I want is a second wave so we have to be really smart,” said Gov. Whitmer.
The governor did not address a tweet sent out by President Donald Trump until asked by reporters. The president who has said the governor’s shut down goes to far tweeted in all caps: LIBERATE MICHIGAN!
“I hope it is not encouraging more protests. One thing I think is important to recognize right now is people are feeling anxious. There is a lot of anxiety and I think the most important thing a person with a platform can do is say we are going to get through this. I am going to be listening to the best health experts that I can,” said Gov. Whitmer.
The governor also said she agrees with many of the plans the president has outlined for reopening the economy, however she believes the president is not calling for expansive enough testing capabilities. The governor says right now there are not enough swabs for tests on the market to meet demand.
She says she is working on a plan for re-opening while experts analyze data. She said she plans to release information on her plan next week.
Additional Coronavirus information and resources:
Read our daily Coronavirus Live Blog for the latest updates and news on coronavirus.
Click here for a page with resources including a COVID-19 overview from the CDC, details on cases in Michigan, a timeline of Governor Gretchen Whitmer's orders since the outbreak, coronavirus' impact on Southeast Michigan, and links to more information from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the CDC and the WHO.
View a global coronavirus tracker with data from Johns Hopkins University.
Find out how you can help metro Detroit restaurants struggling during the pandemic.
See all of our Helping Each Other stories.
See complete coverage on our Coronavirus Continuing Coverage page.