Tragically, the city of Detroit has become a new “hotspot” for cases of the COVID-19 pandemic, and Michigan has joined New York and Louisiana as being among the hardest-hit states during this ongoing health crisis.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer had issued a statewide “stay-at-home” order on March 24, 2020 that was originally slated to end on April 14, but is expected to be extended as coronavirus cases continue rising. Gov. Whitmer has urged residents to stay safe by staying at home and avoiding contact with others, and practice social distancing when they are outside their home. Whitmer’s order included closing most public spaces such as restaurants, gyms and bars.

The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 cases in Michigan has risen to 15,718, which includes 617 deaths. About 80% of the cases are in the Metro Detroit area of Wayne and Oakland counties, and that area could hit its peak by mid-April. In the meantime, FEMA is sending 300 ventilators to Michigan to assist medical and hospital workers there.

"People are taking it seriously, and I think that's a good thing," Whitmer said of the stay-home order during a press conference on April 6. "To see the real benefits of the work that we've done, it takes a few weeks to know what that really means."

To learn more about how COVID-19 is impacting Michigan, visit here.

Important Facts to Know About Michigan’s Stay At Home order

Table of Contents

When did the order go into place?

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued her Stay At Home order on March 24

When will the order be lifted?

The order was originally slated to expire on April 14 but is expected to be extended for an indefinite period.

What are violations and penalties associated with the order?

The state has been issuing warnings that violations of the Stay At Home order can result in a fine of up to $1,000

What kind of order is it?

Gov. Witmer has issued three executive orders that apply statewide

What are essential businesses?

The prohibition on public assemblages doesn’t apply to health care facilities, workplaces not open to the public, and those related to mass transit, the purchase of groceries or consumer goods, or agricultural or construction work.

Experienced Accident and Personal Injury Attorneys Here to Help

Your rights are important to us. If you’ve suffered an injury in an accident that was due to the negligence of others, contact the attorneys at the Michigan Legal Center. We’re here to defend the residents of Michigan.

The attorneys at the Michigan Legal Center are happy to answer any questions you may have and offer advice on what you need to do to receive compensation after experiencing an injury. Call 1-800-961-8447 for your free consultation.