Michigan's Upper Peninsula Returns To Phase 4 Of MI Safe Start

MICHIGAN — Michigan's Upper Peninsula is headed backward while other parts of the state reopen. Citing a recent surge in COVID-19 cases in the region, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive order returning Michigan's Upper Peninsula to Phase 4 of her MI Safe Start Plan.

The executive order will go into effect Oct. 9 but the governor's office said everyone should make the transition as quickly as possible. The move to Phase 4 will require people who can perform work remotely to do so. It also requires schools to enforce mask requirements with limited exceptions, and places limits on social gatherings and stores that match those in place in most of the state, among other changes.

“After seeing the increase in cases in the U.P. region over the past several weeks and consulting with medical experts, I have decided to take action to protect U.P. families and move the region back a phase," Whitmer said in a statement. "I know this is hard. I know it will be an adjustment. But we can’t let our guard down.

“COVID-19 is still a very real threat to our families, frontline workers, and small businesses. Everyone should implement these changes as swiftly as possible. This virus doesn't care if you're rich or poor, a Republican or a Democrat, young or old. No one is immune. Right now the most effective weapon we have is pretty simple: it's wearing a mask that covers your nose and mouth. It's washing your hands with soap and water. And maintaining six feet of physical distance from one another. Let’s all be smart and stay safe.”

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As a whole, Michigan added 780 new confirmed cases of the respiratory illness on Friday, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the state to 126,358. Meanwhile, officials also reported seven more people in Michigan have died from the virus, increasing the coronavirus death toll in the state to 6,788.

Michigan is ranked 17th in the U.S. in reported cases of the coronavirus, according to the World Health Organization. Michigan is ninth in reported coronavirus deaths.

Although the Upper Peninsula had very low numbers from March through most of June, the region’s numbers began rising in late June, persisted at an elevated level through mid-September, and then began sharply increasing, giving it right now the most concerning numbers in the state, the state said.

The most recent case rate, adjusting for lag, has the region with 283 absolute cases per million and 5.1 percent positivity.

Michigan Chief Medical Executive and MDHHS Chief Deputy for Health Dr. Joneigh Khaldun supported Whitmer's decision, saying it's essential to help workers and vulnerable populations in northern Michigan.

“We will continue to monitor the spread and work together to fight this virus," Khaldun said. "With the 2020-2021 flu season fast approaching, we must also stay laser-focused on protecting ourselves and our loved ones. Get your flu vaccine, wear a mask, and maintain six feet of physical distancing. We will get through this together.”

The governor’s order will implement the following changes in the Upper Peninsula:

• People who can perform their work remotely will be required to do so;

• Social gatherings and organized events will be subject to the new Phase 4 limits in Executive Order 2020-183: indoor residential – 10 people or less; indoor non-residential may allow more, depending on the size of the facility and subject to formulas in the order.

• Stores of less than 50,000 square feet must limit number of people in store, including employees, to 25 percent of total occupancy limits. Stores of 50,000 square feet or more must limit customers to no more than 20 people per 1,000 square feet of customer floor space, and allow 2 hours of week dedicating shopping time for vulnerable populations.

• Schools must require face coverings at certain times, including in the classroom, among other requirements.