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Whitmer prohibits assembly exceeding 250 people until early April due to COVID-19

March 13, 2020
<p>A Wilson lecture hall turns empty after MSU halted in-person classes due to the coronavirus on March 11, 2020.</p>

A Wilson lecture hall turns empty after MSU halted in-person classes due to the coronavirus on March 11, 2020.

Photo by Jack Falinski | The State News

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive order Friday cancelling all events exceeding 250 people beginning at 5:00 p.m. until April 5 at 5:00 p.m, according to a new statement.

This order follows her declaration of a state of emergency in Michigan on Tuesday, due to rising cases of COVID-19.

Certain shared-space assembly will be allowed, such as "industrial or manufacturing work, mass transit, or the purchase of groceries or consumer goods," the statement said.

This order follows COVID-19 cases rising to 12 in total within the state, as announced by the governor on Thursday.

“Prohibiting large assemblages is the smart thing to do to mitigate the spread of COVID-19,” Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun said in the statement. “It’s crucial that everyone in Michigan follow these orders and make smart choices that will slow the spread of the virus, including practicing good hygiene and social distancing. We will continue to work with the governor and our partners across state government to protect Michigan families and businesses.” 

The temporary closure of all K-12 schools is also included in this executive order, which Gov. Whitmer announced Thursday.

“This is about protecting the most people we can from the spread of coronavirus,” Whitmer said in the statement. “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."

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