Gov. Gretchen Whitmer: All Michigan K-12 schools must close until April 5
Source: Detroit Free Press
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer late Thursday ordered all K-12 schools in Michigan to close until April 5 as the state battles the coronavirus. The order covers traditional public, charter, private and boarding schools in the state.
This is a necessary step to protect our kids, our families, and our overall public health, Whitmer said in a statement. I am working with partners across state government to ensure educators, parents, and students have the support they need during this time, and to ensure our children who rely on school for meals have access to food. I know this will be a tough time, but were doing this to keep the most people we can safe. I urge everyone to make smart choices during this time and to do everything they can to protect themselves and their families.
Michigan State Superintendent Michael Rice said the decision had to happen.
Closing our K-12 school buildings is the responsible choice that will minimize the risk of exposure for children, educators, and families and mitigate the spread of coronavirus, Rice said. The Department of Education will continue to work closely with our partners in state government to help our students and educators in each school district get through this time. This is about protecting the most people in Michigan.
Read more: https://www.freep.com/story/news/education/2020/03/12/coronavirus-michigan-k-12-schools-close-until-april-5/5039384002/
Every school in the state. Good action by our Governor that is sure to raise a lot of discussion tomorrow.
Pathwalker
(6,599 posts)press conference at 11:00 pm.
EarthFirst
(2,905 posts)327 confirmed cases.
Governor Cuomo and his staff along with NYS DOH have been doing a really great job organizing the response and keeping the public informed.
Knowing their proactive stance on the situation; the order is imminent.
Good on Governor Whitmer for having the foresight to head it off early...
BigmanPigman
(51,630 posts)The states' governors and mayors have to do this on their own since no leadership is coming on a Federal level. Historian Jon Meacham said that the Founding Fathers wrote about this in the preamble of the constitution (promoting the general welfare). The Fed Govt is supposed to help keep us healthy and safe and guide the states.
"We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."
LovingA2andMI
(7,006 posts)For keeping our kids and other students, safe.
KY_EnviroGuy
(14,494 posts)Our Jefferson County (Louisville Metro) schools will close after today's session (Fri.) and remain closed at least through April 5th. At this time, two people in Jefferson County have tested positive for COVID-19.
From local TV station WHAS11:
Beshear's recommendation comes as several events are being canceled locally and nationwide. He previously recommended churches cancel services this weekend.
While children are not being affected, Beshear said the recommendation is to ensure the state takes a proactive approach to avoiding the spread of COVID-19.
He said he does not ask school districts to close completely so districts can provide meal programs or help students who may need a place to stay. Beshear said it is important students go to school Friday, March 12.
I fear for my family and friend's safety.
KY...........
DownriverDem
(6,231 posts)took charge immediately and we here in Michigan thank her. repubs are still saying it's not as bad as being reported. They make me want them to get it and get back to us.