Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announces that contact sports can resume on Monday, Feb. 8 - as long as masks are worn. If masks cannot be worn, athletes must undergo regular COVID-19 testing. This lifts a ban that started on Nov. 18, more than 2 1/2 months ago.
Whitmer: 'I know these past months have been tough on all of us ... (including) student-athletes. ... I appreciate the passion of our young athletes. ... Our numbers are now in a place where we can allow our kids to get back in the game.'
The latest move by the Whitmer admin to lift restrictions comes as Michigan ranks 5th-lowest among states in the per-capita case rate over the past 2 weeks.
DHHS Director Hertel encourages sports organizers to administer a testing protocol - though it is not required. Additional guidance will be released by Monday.
Whitmer now calls forward a doctor to emphasize the importance of providing an in-person learning option. (She wants schools to do so by March 1. Some are waiting longer.) 'Schools do not appear to be super-spreader environments,' he says.
Whitmer denies that a large rally at the Capitol and a lawsuit swayed her decision to allow contact sports to resume. 'That's not what drives decisions in my administration. ... I'm proud to say that the pause has worked. ... The number tell us that this is a safe step to take.'
Whitmer notes Donald Trump signed billions in federal virus relief aid for Michigan - food assistance, vaccine distribution, etc. 'It just needs to be appropriated' by the GOP-led Legislature. 'I'm eager to work with the Legislature to get this done.' #mileg
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