Gov. Whitmer Announces Closure of All Michigan K-12 Schools Due to Coronavirus
Yesterday, the world stood still and watched as the spread of coronavirus resulted in widespread cancellations, suspensions, and closures.
Yesterday, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer followed suit, announcing the closure of all K-12 schools until early April.
(Photo by Bill Pugliano/Getty Images)
“I am ordering the closure of all k-12 school buildings in Michigan for three weeks starting Monday March 16 until Sunday, April 5. This is not a decision that I make lightly. A lot of districts have taken action and already closed themselves. This we feel is a necessary step to protect kids, and teachers and families and our overall public health. I believe school employees should continue to get paid though schools are still in session.”
“I know this will be a tough time for our parents and educators. I urge businesses to do everything they can to support employees at this time. Some parents will need to stay home with their children, not every parent will be able to do so. Not every parent has paid leave but I think they should. Some businesses must step up and provide help if their employees need it.”
“We are doing everything we can to make sure our families have the support they need during school building closures. We are working with our local school districts to provide guidance and help children who need it access food during this time. Our number one priority is keeping our families safe and healthy and mitigating the spread of this virus.”
“Please do your part, make smart choices during this time. Even if you are healthy and feel asymptomatic, you can, unknowingly, be carrying and spreading the virus. Assume that you are, and take these orders seriously, to keep yourself and your loved ones, your co-workers and people at risk of serious illness (safe). There are easy things that everyone of us can do to lower risk in our state.”
“Wash your hands often with soap and water and vigorously scrub them for 20 seconds. Practice touching your face less often. Replace handshakes with elbow bumps and cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze.”
View the full press conference here:
Be sure to stay updated on all things coronavirus by keeping tabs on the Kiss FM Detroit Coronavirus Information Hub.
