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Governor Whitmer Activates State EOC in Response to Coronavirus; MAB Announces Extra Precautions at Media Show

Governor Gretchen Whitmer speaking press conference February 28

Today (2/28), Governor Gretchen Whitmer activated the state Emergency Operations Center to coordinate with state, local and federal agencies to help prevent the spread of Novel Coronavirus.

The governor, Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Director Major General Paul Rogers, and Captain Emmitt McGowan of the Michigan State Police gave an update on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Michigan to inform Michiganders on how the state is preparing to protect public health. As of now, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Michigan, but Michiganders should take all necessary precautions to prepare and to keep themselves and their families safe.

“Right now, we’re harnessing all of the resources of state government to help people prepare and keep themselves and their families safe,” said Governor Whitmer. “By activating the State Emergency Operations Center, we’re ensuring that every branch of state government is on alert, and actively coordinating to prevent the spread of Coronavirus if it comes to Michigan. We are taking this step out of an abundance of caution. We will continue to take every necessary precaution to keep Michiganders safe.”

“While the current risk to the general public of getting COVID-19 is low, we need to use all of our public health tools to make sure we are prepared,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health for Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). “Michiganders can be assured that we are taking this seriously and we will continue to make preparations to limit the spread and impact of COVID 19. Everyone can do basic things like washing hands frequently, covering their coughs appropriately, and staying home if they feel unwell to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses.”

Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

The MAB is taking extra precautions for the Great Lakes Media Show next week.  Exhibit booths will include hand sanitizer and disinfection wipes.  According to President Karole White, all attendees will be encouraged to use proper procedures when they cough or sneeze.

The MAB is a member of the State Emergency Communications Committee and is responsible for coordinating emergency messaging throughout the state.  The MAB is working with Michigan State Police Office of Emergency Management and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to contain the spread of viruses this year.

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