Photo: Drew Angerer / Getty
LANSING, November 23, 2021 ~ Monday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer stated that she expects the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to release “additional guidance” in light of the ongoing surge of COVID-19 and the approaching holidays. Friday, her health department issued a health advisory, recommending mask usage at indoor gatherings regardless of people’s vaccination status.
In her first public appearance in Michigan in over a week, Whitmer said while speaking with an unidentified hospital leader, she was urged to push public education regarding the vaccines, but the hospital leader was “not encouraging mandates.”
During a similar surge this time last year, Whitmer used emergency powers to ban restaurants from indoor service, as well as suspend in-person learning for K-12 schools and colleges.
“The argument back then was the numbers, the data justified these actions,” said Political Consultant and Densar Consulting Founder Dennis Darnoi to 760 WJR’s Kevin Dietz. “Now we are in a political environment. We are a year out from elections — a little less technically — and the heavy-handed approach that took place originally, and then was not lifted once there was, kind of, daylight, has made a lot of people gun shy.”
November 23, 2021 ~ Dennis Darnoi talks with Kevin Dietz about Governor Whitmer speaking on “additional guidance” with the COVID-19 numbers.
“So now these calculations are not necessarily based on the data, they are not based on the science. They are based on the reaction that the public had, and the pushback that the government and her administration received when we were in these numbers last time.”
Michigan currently has the highest number of reported cases per population. The number of hospitalized adults due to COVID-19 hit a seven-month high of 3,699 on Monday.
“We cannot wait any longer for Michigan to correct course; we need your help now to end this surge and ensure our hospitals can care for everyone who needs it,” said a statement from the Michigan Health & Hospital Association.
“If you’re congregating with a bunch of people indoors, it’s wise to make sure everyone is vaccinated,” said Whitmer. “And if they’re not, encourage them to do that.”
“Take this opportunity to tell your loved ones how much you love them and how much you want to spend Christmas with them. It’s time to get vaccinated.”
