Gov. Gretchen Whitmer released a video Tuesday, urging Michiganders to protect their families and not gather for Thanksgiving.
“If you are planning to spend Thanksgiving with people outside of your own household, I urge you to reconsider,” she said in the video. “This year, I’m going to host a Zoom call with my family so we can still talk about the things we are thankful for, in lieu of hosting an in-person dinner like I usually do.”
On Nov.15, Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced new COVID-19 restrictions that took effect on Nov. 18. The epidemic order limits indoor gathering places — like high school classrooms, bowling alleys and restaurants — where COVID-19 spreads easily, according to a news release.
“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,” Whitmer said about the epidemic order.
In Whitmer’s video, she asks viewers to think about their last Thanksgiving, and who they spent it with.
“Picture their faces — laughing with you, cheering on the Lions with you, hugging you, or even arguing with you about politics,” she said. “As hard as it will be not to see them in person this Thanksgiving, imagine how much harder it would be if their chairs are empty next year.”
Whitmer said whether you’re a Biden Democrat or Trump Republican, everyone has a role in the fight against COVID-19.
“You have a role in this fight, do it for yourself or your family,” she said in the video. “Or to help the small business owner who desperately wants to keep their doors open this season.”
Whitmer said although the pandemic has been hard, she’s thankful she can always find small moments of joy.
“Even if it’s as simple as cracking a Vernors and watching the Great British Baking Show with my husband,” she said.
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