Gov. Whitmer is scheduled to provide an update on the state's efforts to combat COVID-19 at 1 pm. Watch live here freep.com/story/news/loc…
Whitmer press conference starting.
She's talking about a Jackson couple who recently died due to COVID-19 freep.com/story/news/loc…
She's talking about a Jackson couple who recently died due to COVID-19 freep.com/story/news/loc…
Whitmer: "We're on the brink of incredible medical breakthroughs" when it comes to distributing a COVID-19 vaccine.
She reiterates critical health care workers in hospitals and first responders will be first in line for the vaccine
She reiterates critical health care workers in hospitals and first responders will be first in line for the vaccine
Whitmer says she's created a "bi-partisan protect Michigan commission" within the state health department.
Her office just issued a news release about the commission.
Participants include:
- Lt. Gov. Gilchrist
- Ex Lt. Gov. Calley
- Detroit Pistons player Blake Griffin
Her office just issued a news release about the commission.
Participants include:
- Lt. Gov. Gilchrist
- Ex Lt. Gov. Calley
- Detroit Pistons player Blake Griffin
Whitmer says anyone who wants to participate in the commission should apply at michigan.gov/appointments before Dec. 28
Whitmer references her request to #mileg to pass a $100 million state COVID-19 relief bill. She also reiterates a call for federal lawmakers to pass a relief bill.
Whitmer says state relief won't be enough but will "be a bridge" until (if?) federal aid arrives
Whitmer says state relief won't be enough but will "be a bridge" until (if?) federal aid arrives
Breaking: Whitmer says restaurants, entertainment venues and other sites closed due to a COVID-19 order can postpone specific tax payments due to the state at the end of the month.
Will try to provide more details soon
Will try to provide more details soon
Dr. Joneigh Khaldun takes the podium.
She says more than 415k cases, 10K COVID-19 deaths in Michigan since start of pandemic.
Says as an ER doctor who just worked a shift this weekend, "this is not a cold that you just get over."
She says more than 415k cases, 10K COVID-19 deaths in Michigan since start of pandemic.
Says as an ER doctor who just worked a shift this weekend, "this is not a cold that you just get over."
Khaldun:
- Cases at 514 cases per 1 million people per day, declining rate for past 19 days.
- 14% of tests are positive, fluctuating but still quite high
- Hospitalizations trending down for the week. 19% of in-patient beds have COVID-19 patients
- Decrease in overall testing
- Cases at 514 cases per 1 million people per day, declining rate for past 19 days.
- 14% of tests are positive, fluctuating but still quite high
- Hospitalizations trending down for the week. 19% of in-patient beds have COVID-19 patients
- Decrease in overall testing
Khaldun:
- Still seeing far more cases every day than state/local contact tracers can track.
- Suggests downloading the MI COVID alert app freep.com/story/news/hea…
- Still seeing far more cases every day than state/local contact tracers can track.
- Suggests downloading the MI COVID alert app freep.com/story/news/hea…
Khaldun: State preparing to distribute vaccines as soon as they are approved, as soon as next week.
Says vaccine will only be approved once experts review its development and are confident it is safe.
Says vaccine will only be approved once experts review its development and are confident it is safe.
Khaldun: MI will receive about 84,000 doses of Pfizer vaccine next week, if it is approved and becomes available.
Federal estimates indicate MI could receive 173,000 doses of Moderna vaccine in first shipment (if approved).
Stresses these are estimates and they can change
Federal estimates indicate MI could receive 173,000 doses of Moderna vaccine in first shipment (if approved).
Stresses these are estimates and they can change
Khaldun: We hope that by late spring we will be able to offer the vaccine to the general public.
She urges every adult to start making plans to take the vaccine, stresses people will need to get two doses of the vaccine.
She urges every adult to start making plans to take the vaccine, stresses people will need to get two doses of the vaccine.
Khaldun: Many people may get mild symptoms after getting the vaccine ("general malaise," mild fever, sore arm, etc).
Says this is expected and is a sign the vaccine is working.
Says this is expected and is a sign the vaccine is working.
Khaldun: I ask all of you to continue to do the right thing. Wear masks, to protect your self and others. Wash your hands frequently. Get a flu shot.
Urges celebrating winter holidays without going to larger gatherings.
Urges celebrating winter holidays without going to larger gatherings.
Khaldun says National Guard is assisting with distribution of the vaccine in Michigan. DHHS Director Robert Gordon has said this would happen.
Whitmer asked about whether Legislature has the time to pass a COVID relief bill.
"I know the Legislature has had a lot of COVID, apparently through the ranks of legislators and staff."
Says she's hopeful lawmakers can safely come in and do a few things before adjourning.
"I know the Legislature has had a lot of COVID, apparently through the ranks of legislators and staff."
Says she's hopeful lawmakers can safely come in and do a few things before adjourning.
Whitmer: "There are a lot of restaurants, there are a lot of small businesses, and there are a lot of individuals, who are not going to make it" unless lawmakers take action.
Whitmer asked about Rep. Johnson comments: "This is a woman who has been through a lot." Says Johnson has a loved one in the hospital, important to offer grace.
Notes mtg with Giuliani made her a target of threats.
"None of it is acceptable."
Notes mtg with Giuliani made her a target of threats.
"None of it is acceptable."
Whitmer says removing Johnson from her committees is "too far" and she's asked House GOP leaders to reconsider this action.
I asked Whitmer about @SenAricNesbitt call for DHHS Director Gordon to resign: "If more people who hold office would recognize our enemy is a virus, and not look for reason to fight among one another...and focus on the virus, we would be a lot better off."
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