Michigan Lowers Flags To Mourn 500,000 Coronavirus Casualties

LANSING, MI — Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags to be lowered to honor the 500,000 Americans who have died from the coronavirus.

Whitmer's order is in accordance with a proclamation by President Joe Biden. U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol Complex and on all public buildings and grounds across the state of Michigan will be lowered to half-staff through Friday and returned to full-staff on Saturday.

“As we lower the flags to honor and remember the 500,000 American lives, my heart is with the families of loved ones who passed away from this vicious virus,” Whitmer said. “Our nation grieves as we continue the fight to eradicate COVID-19. The quickest way out of the pandemic is through equitable distribution of the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines. That’s why we are encouraging every Michigander to make a plan to get vaccinated when a vaccine becomes available. We can see the light at the end of the tunnel, and we will get through this pandemic together.”

On Monday, Biden ordered that all U.S. flags on federal properties be lowered to half-staff for the week.

Read more: Biden Holds Memorial As U.S. Reaches 500,000 COVID Deaths

More than 28.2 million cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the U.S. The coronavirus has infected 581,403 and killed 15,362 people in Michigan, according to state data.