LANSING - Governor Gretchen Whitmer just sent out a press release ordering all events and shared-space assemblages over 250 people to be canceled or postponed. The executive order was signed today and will be in place starting at 5pm on Friday, March 13 and lasting until 5pm on Sunday, April 5.

Under this new ruling, all events over 250 people are prohibited in the state. According to her press release, certain assemblages are exempt, such as those in industrial or manufacturing work, mass transit, or the purchase of groceries or consumer goods.

Governor Whitmer had this to say about the executive order, “My administration will continue to do everything we can to mitigate the spread, and to ensure our children, families, and businesses have the support they need during this time. We are going to get through this, but we must be flexible and take care of each other.”

This comes after Governor Whitmer announced last night that all K-12 school buildings in Michigan would close starting Monday, March 16 until Sunday, April 5.

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.