HAPPENING SOON: In about 10 minutes, @GovWhitmer will hold a press briefing to talk about #COVID19 and more.

What could come up:
-Moving back regions of the state seeing spikes
-$2.2B supplemental budget plan
-Schools re-opening plan

WATCH LIVE https://wwmt.com/news/state/whitmer-expected-to-discuss-budget-deal-to-patch-shortfall-covid-19-update-and-schools

Here we go.

“Right now, we are still in good shape” when it comes to #COVID19.

“But, our numbers are not as strong today as they were” a few weeks ago, Whitmer says.

Stay here for a thread.

Whitmer points to the Harper’s situation, where there are now more than 100 #COVID19 cases linked to the one location.

“After 3 months of hard work and real sacrifice, we have seen preventable spread in areas across the state,” she adds.

“ #COVID19 is still very present in Michigan,” Whitmer says.

As for celebrating the 4th of July, the governor recommends celebrating safely and distanced.

“Have a beer with your neighbor. Just do it safely.”

Whitmer thanks Dick Cheney, Mitt Romney and VP Mike Pence for “taking the politics” out of #COVID19 and mask wearing.

“We still need help from the federal government,” Whitmer says after touting the bipartisan budget agreement announced yesterday.

She says the feds could still do more to help with #COVID19 related budget constraints.

Here it is —-> the state’s 63-page roadmap providing guidance to Michigan’s PreK-12 schools to safely reopen.

The safety protocols detailed in the includes:
-Guidance on use of PPE
-Good hygiene
-Cleaning/disinfecting
-Spacing in classrooms
-Screening for symptoms, athletics

As previously announced, Whitmer has said schools can re-open for in-person instruction as long as the area is in Phase 4 of the MI Safe Start Plan. #COVID19

READ IT https://www.michigan.gov/documents/whitmer/MI_Safe_Schools_Roadmap_FINAL_695392_7.pdf

Whitmer is requiring districts to create their own plans for approval.

Seen here, masks will be required except for meals or for medical reasons:
-On a school bus
-In a classroom for grades 6+
-In the hallway or common areas
-All staff when in a classroom

“Every region in the state is seeing #COVID19 increases,” Michigan’s top medical executive, Dr. Joneigh Khaldun says.

The Grand Rapids region is seeing a 3.9% positivity rate.

The Lansing region has a 2.8% positivity rate.

80% of hospital beds are occupied statewide, she adds.

Dr. Khaldun says #COVID19 cases are being confirmed in different age groups than previously seen.

New cases are being discovered more in people under 50. The highest number of new #COVID19 cases are being confirmed in people 20-29.

“This is not a joke,” she says.

Dr. Khaldun says in the month of June, 23% of all new #COVID19 cases were in Michiganders 20-29.

Tonya Allen, chair of the Return to Learn Advisory Council, says the council understood the gravity of the plan put forward today.

“Science, safety and students became our mantra.”

#COVID19

Allen says the plan provides “sensible mandates,” and urges schools to comply.

Schools are required to create 3 different plans for various possible phases:

-Phase 3: completely remote
-Phase 4: restrictions but in-person learning
-Phase 5: less restrictive in-person

#COVID19

“I am not making any changes” today, Whitmer says.

Moving the whole state into Phase 5 by July 4?

“That’s just not going to happen,” Whitmer says. #COVID19