COVID-19 pandemic in Michigan

Timeline

The state's first two confirmed cases were reported on March 10, one each in Wayne and Oakland counties. On March 11, the University of Michigan announced classes would be moving online for the rest of the year and large gatherings would be canceled.

On March 12, ten new presumptive-positive cases were announced, bringing the state's total to twelve cases. Carman-Ainsworth Community Schools identified a middle-schooler in the district who had been exposed on March 7 to a case who tested positive on March 11. The student attended school in the district through March 11. In response to the increase in cases, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the statewide closure of all K-12 school buildings, effective March 16 and extending through April 5.

13 presumptive-positive cases were announced on March 13, bringing the state's total to 25.

Government response

On February 3, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services activated its Community Health Emergency Coordination Center to manage the state government's response to coronavirus. On February 28, the State Emergency Operations Center was activated by Governor Gretchen Whitmer to assist with coordination. On March 3, the Governor created four COVID-19 Task Forces: State Operations, Health and Human Services, Education, and Economy/Workforce. As of March 11, the University of Michigan, Western Michigan University, Wayne State University, Michigan Technological University, Northern Michigan University, and Central Michigan University had various restrictions on students and faculty in response to the virus.

Late in the day on March 12, 2020 Governor Whitmer issued an order to have all K-12 schools closed beginning Monday, March 16, 2020. On March 13, Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-05 which additionally banned all gathering of more that 250 people in addition to the closure of schools. The ban makes exceptions for residential facilities and child care services at schools in addition to exemptions for consumers buying groceries or products, for industrial and manufacturing work, and for public transport and other forms of mass transit.

Additionally for the 13th, the Michigan Department of Education was granted a federal waiver by the United States Department of Agriculture. The waiver allows for students who will receive food from the Unanticipated School Closure SFSP to not be mandated to receive the food in a group setting. The Michigan Department of Corrections banned visitors to prisons, along with prohibiting any volunteers from the prison. For staff at the prisons, they will be required to have their temperature tested and be proven to be under 100.4°F along with other measures. The Michigan Career and Technical Institute suspended all programs up until April 5.

Finally, the Michigan Secretary of State, Jocelyn Benson, issued an order starting March 16th to limit all Michigan Secretary of State branch offices to appointment only instead of walk-ins. The only services provided by the offices will be for those applying for new licenses and IDs, for title transfers, and for testing for a license. All branches will no longer be open on Saturdays, with most weekday hours expanding. For those renewing their licenses, the proof of car insurance requirement was waved. Also waved were late fees associated with the change.