DETROIT — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says she has no plans to tell Michigan residents to strictly stay at home to cut the spread of the cornonavirus.
Whitmer's comments were made a day after the California governor told residents to stay inside except for essential jobs, errands and some exercise. They also followed her request for federal funding to deploy the Michigan National Guard.
"I want to be very clear," the governor said at a Friday afternoon press conference. "There's been a lot of misinformation and rumors floating around. I'm asking for funding for National Guardsmen and Guardswomen to help distribute food and supplies--humanitarian missions. I am not call for martial law. That is a rumor, and that is false."
Whitmer said it is "dangerous" for people to spread bad information.
The governor has tried to reduce the virus by limiting crowds at popular gathering spots and closing schools. Bars, fitness clubs and theaters are closed, and restaurants can only prepare food for carry-out. Whitmer has urged Michigan residents to practice social distancing as much as possible to slow the spread of coronavirus in the community.
Earlier this week, Whitmer ordered a temporary ban on gatherings of 50 or more people. Her executive order complies with recent Center for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines that recommend postponing or canceling large gatherings for eight weeks.
Whitmer said that she has been communicating with all the other governors, and her administration is continually reassessing.
"Not having plans to do something right now doesn't mean that at some point we might have to take more aggressive action," said Whitmer.
Friday, both the state of Illinois and New York also ordered all their residents to stay home except for essential travel. The three states that are locked down encompass more than 70 million people and the three biggest cities in America: New York, Los Angeles and Chicago.
"If and when we are in a position that we think it's an important next move, I will absolutely communicate that personally to the public," Whitmer said. "We are not there. I think it is irresponsible for anyone to imply, read in to or broadcast anything other than that."
The Trump administration and federal COVID-19 task force also recommended keeping group events and gatherings small this week -- suggesting people should be limited to 10 or less.
At least 334 people in Michigan have tested positive for coronavirus, and three people have died.
13 ON YOUR SIDE contributed to this reporting.
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