LANSING, Mich. — A group of health care, public health, university, labor and business leaders called on state leaders Wednesday to demonstrate “complete unity of purpose” to fight surging COVID-19 cases.
In a letter to Michigan’s political leadership, a group of 32 leaders embraced mandatory mask usage, workplace practices and public gatherings.
They say the recent orders by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Michigan Occupational Health and Safety Administration were workable and “we should now focus on deploying them with discipline” across the state.
“Michigan cannot risk an uncontrolled outbreak of the sort now underway in Wisconsin,” the letter said.
COVID-19 cases have been sharply on the rise, with the most recent seven-day average higher than levels back in March.
Cases are rising steeply among all demographics – not just young adults – and hospitalization rates have shown significant increases across the state as older residents are impacted.
“We commend the governor and Legislature for working together on legislation to extend unemployment protections and provide common sense liability protections,” the letter said. “Now we need that same spirit of cooperation focused on reigning in surging case levels.”
Read the full letter here.