(WXYZ) — Governor Gretchen Whitmer said she will use additional authority to "protect families" from COVID-19
She said Michigan had one of the best economic recoveries in the nation, and her actions over the past seven months "saved thousands of lives."
The Michigan Supreme Court on Friday struck down months of orders by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer that were aimed at preventing the spread of the coronavirus, saying she illegally drew authority from a 1945 law that doesn’t apply.
In a press conference Tuesday, Whitmer said Michigan's COVID-19 cases could likely go up as a result of the ruling. She said there will be uncertainty, disruption and possibly greater risk to the economy.
However, Whitmer said her issued orders does not mean she violated the law.
"I interpreted this law correctly to utilize my powers," she said. "It does not mean all protections I put in place are gone."
On Monday, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced they are instituting restrictions on gathering sizes, requiring face coverings in public spaces, and placing limitations on bars and other venues in Michigan.
The orders reinstitute a number of measures that were in place under executive orders put into place by Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
Whitmer also called on the Legislature to take swift action so people can continue to receive unemployment benefits.
