Gov. Gretchen Whitmer released a video Tuesday urging Michiganders to follow COVID-19 guidelines this Thanksgiving holiday.

Michigan's Governor is asking residents to wash their hands, wear masks, and practice social distancing.

“Thanksgiving is about taking time to appreciate the things around us as well as give to others. This year in particular, I am thankful for our frontline workers in our hospitals, child care centers, grocery stores, and everyone else who put their lives on the line to protect our families from COVID-19.

 

As the weather gets colder and as cases continue to skyrocket, we must do everything we can to protect these heroes on the front lines. We all have a role to play to keep our family, friends, neighbors, and frontline workers safe. I know this year will be different, but to protect our families, frontline workers, and small businesses, we must make short-term sacrifices for our long-term health."

Last week the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services issued updated restrictions on gathering places slow the spread of COVID-19, including temporarily halting indoor dining at restaurants.

Gov. Whitmer says,

These steps are what the public health experts say we need to take to avoid overwhelmed hospitals and death counts like we saw in the spring...We all have a personal responsibility to follow these laws and do everything we can to protect one another."

As of Wednesday morning the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Michigan is 340,282. The coronavirus death toll in Michigan is up to 8,937. You can find up to date information here.

MDHHS and the CDC say the safest way to celebrate Thanksgiving is with those who live in your same household.

As hard as this is to hear, I respect it. Yes, it's difficult not to be with family this Thanksgiving. I miss my family so much! This will be the first Thanksgiving that I won't be spending with them, in person. But as many have pointed out, it's far better to have a Zoom Thanksgiving, than a Christmas in the ICU. I know we will get together when it's safe to do so and it will be wonderful.

I do hope that you have a happy, safe Thanksgiving!

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