LANSING - Late last night Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that she would be closing all K-12 school buildings in Michigan as a way to slow the spread of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). This closure will go into effect on Monday, March 16 and last until Sunday, April 5, with school buildings scheduled to reopen on Monday, April 6.

There are currently 12 presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 in Michigan.

"This is a necessary step to protect our kids, our families, and our overall public health," said Governor Whitmer. "I am working with partners across state government to ensure educators, parents, and students have the support they need during this time, and to ensure our children who rely on school for meals have access to food. I know this will be a tough time, but we’re doing this to keep the most people we can safe. I urge everyone to make smart choices during this time and to do everything they can to protect themselves and their families.”

Patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 have experienced mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of fever, cough, and shortness of breath. The best prevention for viruses, including influenza, the common cold, or COVID-19, is to:

-Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. If not available, use hand sanitizer.
-Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
-Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or upper sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
-Avoid contact with people who are sick.
-If you are sick, stay home, and avoid contact with others.

Information is constantly changing, but the latest information is available at www.michigan.gov/coronavirus and www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.