Whitmer “Not Considering” Lockdown or Shelter-In-Place in Michigan

The governor shot down rumors on Detroit Today that Michigan would follow California’s lead in implementing strict measures to keep people at home.

There is no “lockdown” or “shelter in place” order coming for Michigan. 

“That’s not something that we’re contemplating here in Michigan,” Whitmer says. “That’s not something that we’re pursuing right now.”

That’s despite rumors that have been circulating over the last 24 hours that Michigan would likely follow California’s lead by asking people to stay at home except to travel for essential needs. Whitmer came on Detroit Today with Stephen Henderson, where she forcefully and adamantly pushing back against those rumors, saying they are “dangerous” and that they “foment fear.”


Listen: Gov. Whitmer addresses shelter-in-place rumors on Detroit Today.


Michigan now has 334 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and three related deaths as of Friday morning. That number has jumped rapidly that week, in part because the state is now reporting test results from labs outside the state’s lab.

Testing is happening on a somewhat larger scale, although tests are still not as widely available as they should be. Actions are in place from both the state and federal governments to help people through the worst economic impacts of this. And Whitmer has called on the National Guard to help assist health officials with the outbreak.

“I know that a lot of people are going through hardship right now. It’s real and there’s a lot of stress,” says Whitmer. “But it’s really important that everyone stay informed and do their part.”

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  • Detroit Today
    Dynamic and diverse voices. News, politics, community and the issues that define our region. Hosted by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Stephen Henderson, Detroit Today brings you fresh and perceptive views weekdays at 9 am and 7 pm.