Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer is urging high schools in the state to voluntarily suspend personal classes, all youth sports and indoor dining and gatherings for two weeks as her state leads the nation in COVID-19- Affairs. But some organizations are pushing back.
“If we look closely at the data and observe the spread of variance, we all have to go beyond the rules we already have,” Whitmer said at a news conference on Friday. “We all need to step up our game over the next two weeks to reduce rising cases.”
The restrictions, which she emphasized, are not mandates, come as cases increase in Michigan, making it the country’s newest virus epicenter. The state reported 7,834 new COVID-19 cases on Friday.
A factor for the increase: a increase in cases for teenagers and children. As of February 19, state data shows that virus cases for children under 10 are up by 230%, which is higher than in any age group. Residents aged 10 to 19 saw a 227% increase in infections over the same period.
“Young people are not immune to this virus,” Whitmer said.
She advised high schools to temporarily switch to remote classes and for restaurant visitors to eat outside or opt for pick-up instead. The governor also urged that small gatherings be held outside with all individuals wearing masks, and that all youth sports stop both games and training for the next two weeks.
Contact sports in Michigan were allowed to resume on February 8. A month later, subjects aged 13-19 were required to test for COVID-19 weekly.
Michigan Office of the Governor through AP
The Michigan Department of Education backed Whitmer’s recommendation to delay sports, calling on schools to contribute “to the common good of our state and the health of our residents.”
However, the Michigan High School Athletics Association said all tournaments will be held on schedule, but individual schools can voluntarily suspend training and games.
“We will continue to play as safe as possible,” said Mark Uyl, the organization’s director, in a statement. The basketball final will conclude all winter sports, as well as all indoor high school sports for the school year.
As for indoor dining, which reopened in the state on Feb. 1, the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association called Whitmer’s suggestions “misguided” and said the governor was scapegoating the restaurant industry “with no evidence or reliable data.”
“We trust our operators will continue to provide a safe environment indoors or out for the coming weeks and we trust Michiganders will do their part to act responsibly and respectfully to help all of us achieve that result,” the association said. a statement.
Michigan schools were initially urged to reopen in-person classes by March 1, but the state’s Department of Education said they support Whitmer’s suggestions, calling on schools to voluntarily suspend in-person classes.
“Educators, students and families in Michigan have taken up the challenge over the past year and I am confident that they will continue to do whatever it takes to save lives as we continue to fight the pandemic,” said state superintendent Dr. Michael Rice in a statement.
At the press conference, Whitmer called on all residents to take her recommendations seriously and continue to follow existing COVID-19 protocols, such as vaccination, wearing a face mask, and social distancing.
“This must be a team effort,” Whitmer said. “We have to do this together. Lives depend on it. We have to fight back against COVID-19 variants.”
Max Bayer contributed to reporting.