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FacebookEmailWhitmer extends stay-at-home order through June 12 The order also extends the temporary closure of some places of public accommodation such as theaters, gyms and casinos

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, The Detroit NewsPublished 5:31 p.m. ET May 22, 2020 | Updated 9:28 p.m. ET May 22, 2020CONNECTCOMMENTEMAILMOREFresh from a legal victory that backs her power, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer extended her controversial stay-at-home order Friday evening until June 12, pushing back against critics who have called for a quicker loosening of restrictions during the pandemic.

The order, which has been in place since late March and extended multiple times, was due to expire on May 28.

The measure also extends the closure of some places of public accommodation, such as theaters, gyms and casinos.

Whitmer also signed an executive order to extend through June 19 a state of emergency declaration enacted during the pandemic and which was upheld by a judge Thursday.

Coronavirus Vital information The governor's office said her measures to control the spread of coronavirus were working but cited COVID-19 cases in some counties in western and mid-Michigan doubling about every 10 days as reasons for the extension.

“While the data shows that we are making progress, we are not out of the woods yet. If we’re going to lower the chance of a second wave and continue to protect our neighbors and loved ones from the spread of this virus, we must continue to do our part by staying safer at home,” Whitmer said in a statement.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer(Photo: Michigan Executive Office of the Governor)

“If we open too soon, thousands more could die and our hospitals will get overwhelmed. While we finally have more protective equipment like masks, we can’t run the risk of running low again. We owe it to the real heroes on the front lines of this crisis — our first responders, health care workers and critical workers putting their lives on the line every day — to do what we can ourselves to stop the spread of the virus.”

The decision drew quick criticism from Republicans.

"Not only is Gretchen Whitmer going around the state Legislature, but now she is sneaking around the people of Michigan by announcing an extension to her stay at home order after regular business hours on a holiday weekend," said Laura Cox, who chairs the Michigan Republican Party, in a statement. "The only thing she is trying to keep safe is her political career.”

Whitmer's announcement followed a legal victory after weeks of legislators challenging her powers during the COVID-19 crisis.

On Thursday, a Court of Claims judge Whitmer had the legal authority to extend Michigan's state of emergency under the Emergency Powers of the Governor Act of 1945.

The ruling overrides the argument from the Republican-led House and Senate that Whitmer had no authority to extend the coronavirus state of emergency, which she issued March 10, past April without legislative approval.

Representatives of Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey, who along with other GOP leaders promised to appeal the ruling, did not immediately respond to a request for comment Friday on Whitmer's extensions.

Meanwhile, as health officials reported declining rates of COVID-19 cases, Whitmer has relaxed some restrictions in the state associated with her original orders, which have sparked protests and lawsuits.

She has signed an executive order to retail businesses and auto dealerships by appointment statewide on Tuesday. And effective May 29, Whitmer lifted the requirement that health care providers delay some nonessential medical, dental and veterinary procedures statewide.

The governor has also authorized small gatherings of 10 people or less as long as participants practice social distancing.

As part of her plans to gradually reopen the state, restaurants and retail stores Friday in parts of Northern Michigan as well as the entire Upper Peninsula.

“All of us know the importance of getting people back to work and the economy moving again,” Whitmer said Friday. “We’ve already loosened some restrictions on construction, manufacturing, landscaping, retail and more. But the worst thing we can do is open up in a way that causes a second wave of infections and death, puts health care workers at further risk and wipes out all the progress we've made.”

Michigan 29 additional deaths tied to the novel coronavirus on Friday, bringing the total of 5,158 fatalities statewide. It was also the eighth consecutive day the state confirmed fewer than 800 new cases, adding 403 for a total of 53,913, according to data from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

The state has continued to rank seventh in the nation for its number of COVID-19 cases and fourth for deaths — behind New York, New Jersey and Massachusetts, according to tracking by Johns Hopkins University and Medicine Coronavirus Resource Center.

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FacebookEmailGov. Gretchen Whitmer extends Michigan stay home order to June 12 Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who announced the relaxing of parts of the coronavirus order on Thursday, said it will remain in effect until at least June 12.

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, Detroit Free PressPublished 5:00 p.m. ET May 22, 2020 | Updated 9:17 p.m. ET May 22, 2020CONNECTCOMMENTEMAILMOREGov. Gretchen Whitmer on Friday extended her stay-at-home order past its scheduled May 28 expiration to June 12, adding that public venues such as theaters, gyms and casinos would remain closed.

She also extended her state of emergency declaration covering the state due to the coronavirus pandemic to June 19.

She said while coronavirus cases and deaths are clearly declining, "we are not out of the woods yet."

"If we’re going to lower the chance of a second wave and continue to protect our neighbors and loved ones from the spread of this virus, we must continue to do our part by staying safer at home," she said in a statement first reported by the Free Press.

Whitmer's announcement that has been in place since March, allowing social gatherings of 10 people or less immediately and telling retail businesses that sell goods they can reopen to customers for appointment-only shopping Tuesday.

That change also allows for nonemergency dental and doctor services to resume next Friday and Whitmer said Thursday that she would continue to relax the order as warranted by the data. She had previously allowed some retail businesses, such as garden stores and bicycle repair shops to reopen, and , provided they limited their customers, made sure people stayed 6 feet apart and required masks.

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Katie Huss, 74, of Shelby Twp protests with her daughter-in-law Renea Knight,48, and son Kerry Knight, 51, both of Muskegon, during a protest rally against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's order to stay home during the COVID-19 pandemic at the Michigan state capital in Lansing, Mich. on Thursday, May 14, 2020. Renea says she doesn't know anyone that is sick with COVID-19 or that has died. "We understand authority," says Renea, who is a veteran, widow and wife of a veteran. "Gov. 'Whitler' is a tyrant. I believe she has overstepped her authority. If we don't stand up now, we are bending over to tyranny." Kimberly P Mitchell, Detroit Free Press30 PhotosProtesters gather at Michigan CapitolProtesters, wearing semiautomatic rifles, rally against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's order to stay home during the COVID-19 pandemic at the Michigan state capital in Lansing, Mich. on Thursday, May 14, 2020. Kimberly P Mitchell, Detroit Free PressProtesters rally against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's order to stay home during the COVID-19 pandemic at the Michigan state capital in Lansing, Mich. on Thursday, May 14, 2020. Kimberly P Mitchell, Detroit Free PressA protester is seen wearing a cordless drill on his belt during a protest rally against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's order to stay home during the COVID-19 pandemic at the Michigan state capital in Lansing, Mich. on Thursday, May 14, 2020. Kimberly P Mitchell, Detroit Free PressDifferent militia group members can be seen in the crowd wearing Go-Pro cameras to document a protest rally against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's order to stay home during the COVID-19 pandemic at the Michigan state capital in Lansing, Mich. on Thursday, May 14, 2020. Kimberly P Mitchell, Detroit Free PressMichigan State Police look on during the a protest rally against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's order to stay home during COVID-19 pandemic in Lansing, Mich. on Thursday, May 14, 2020. Kimberly P Mitchell, Detroit Free PressProtestors listen to a speaker on the steps during a protest rally against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's order to stay home during the COVID-19 pandemic at the Michigan state capital in Lansing, Mich. on Thursday, May 14, 2020. Kimberly P Mitchell, Detroit Free PressPhil Robinson, 43, of Barry county, is a member of the Michigan Liberty Militia and shows the patch he wears on his tactical gear, during a protest rally against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's order to stay home during the COVID-19 pandemic at the Michigan state capital in Lansing, Mich. on Thursday, May 14, 2020. Robinson says he and the militia are there to observe and document the rally. Kimberly P Mitchell, Detroit Free PressPhil Robinson, 43, of Barry county, is a member of the Michigan Liberty Militia and shows the patch he wears on his tactical gear, during a protest rally against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's order to stay home during the COVID-19 pandemic at the Michigan state capital in Lansing, Mich. on Thursday, May 14, 2020. Robinson says he and the militia are there to observe and document the rally. Kimberly P Mitchell, Detroit Free PressHeather Palter, 47, og Lansing is a healthcare worker and carries a sign in counter-protest during a protest rally against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's order to stay home during the COVID-19 pandemic at the Michigan state capital in Lansing, Mich. on Thursday, May 14, 2020. Kimberly P Mitchell, Detroit Free PressA protester carrying a semi-automatic rifle stands near the Michigan capital while Michigan State Police look on during the a protest rally against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's order to stay home during COVID-19 pandemic in Lansing, Mich. on Thursday, May 14, 2020. Kimberly P Mitchell, Detroit Free PressA man involved in a scuffle is surrounded by Michigan State Police as protestors gather in the pouring rain outside of the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing Thursday, May 14, 2020, to protest Governor Whitmer's stay in place mandate. Mandi Wright, Detroit Free PressA man carrying an gun hurries to watch Michigan State Police surround a man involved in a scuffle as protestors gather in the pouring rain outside of the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing Thursday, May 14, 2020, to protest Governor Whitmer's stay in place mandate. Mandi Wright, Detroit Free PressProtestors gather in the pouring rain outside of the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing Thursday, May 14, 2020, to protest Governor Whitmer's stay in place mandate. Mandi Wright, Detroit Free PressProtestors gather in the pouring rain outside of the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing Thursday, May 14, 2020, to protest Governor Whitmer's stay in place mandate. Mandi Wright, Detroit Free PressA protestor is escorted by the Michigan State Police after a scuffle broke out as protestors gather in the pouring rain outside of the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing Thursday, May 14, 2020, to protest Governor Whitmer's stay in place mandate. Mandi Wright, Detroit Free PressProtestors gather in the pouring rain outside of the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing Thursday, May 14, 2020, to protest Governor Whitmer's stay in place mandate. Mandi Wright, Detroit Free PressProtestors gather in the pouring rain outside of the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing Thursday, May 14, 2020, to protest Governor Whitmer's stay in place mandate. Mandi Wright, Detroit Free PressProtestors gather in the pouring rain outside of the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing Thursday, May 14, 2020, to protest Governor Whitmer's stay in place mandate. Mandi Wright, Detroit Free PressProtestors gather in the pouring rain outside of the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing Thursday, May 14, 2020, to protest Governor Whitmer's stay in place mandate. Mandi Wright, Detroit Free PressPeople protest Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's stay-at-home order at the Capitol in Lansing on Thursday, May 14, 2020. Kimberly P. Mitchell, Detroit Free PressPeople protest Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's stay-at-home order at the Capitol in Lansing on Thursday, May 14, 2020. Mandi Wright, Detroit Free PressKatie Huss, 74, of Shelby Township protest in front of the state Capitol building in Lansing with Kerry Knight, her son, and his wife Renea Knight of Muskegon. Kimberly P. Mitchell, Detroit Free PressPeople gather Thursday, May 14, 2020, at the Michigan Capitol in Lansing to protest Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's stay-at-home order. Joe Guillen, Detroit Free PressPeople protest Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's stay-at-home order at the Capitol in Lansing on Thursday, May 14, 2020. Joe Guillen, Detroit Free PressMichigan State Police are seen through the windows of the Capitol in Lansing as protesters gather outside to protest Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's stay-at-home order on Thursday, May 14, 2020 Mandi Wright, Detroit Free PressPeople protest Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's stay-at-home order at the Capitol in Lansing on Thursday, May 14, 2020. Joe Guillen, Detroit Free PressPeople protest Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's stay-at-home order at the Capitol in Lansing on Thursday, May 14, 2020. Joe Guillen, Detroit Free PressPeople protest Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's stay-at-home order at the Capitol in Lansing on Thursday, May 14, 2020. Joe Guillen, Detroit Free PressPeople protesting Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's stay-at-home order begin gathering at the Capitol on Thursday, May 14, 2020. Kimberly P. Mitchell, Detroit Free PressInterested in this topic? You may also want to view these photo galleries: Replay1 of 30AutoplayShow ThumbnailsShow CaptionsMore:

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Manufacturing and construction have resumed as well, under strict regulations. But many parts of Whitmer's rules — which have been challenged in court and led to protests at the state Capitol — continue to disrupt the lives of Michiganders.

Large gatherings, for instance, are not allowed, and people must wear masks or other face coverings when in closed spaces. Barbershops and hair salons remain closed, as well as sporting and entertainment venues, gyms, casinos and more. Short-term vacation rentals are not allowed. Schools and camps remain closed.

The extension of the order means all of those rules will remain in place at least until June 12, unless Whitmer decides to relax them before that.

As the impact of the virus has lessened in recent weeks, , as Whitmer has.

While opponents of the governor, including Republican leaders in the state Legislature, have challenged her authority both to issue such orders and to extend them, they so far have withstood legal efforts to reverse them. A Court of Claims judge on Thursday .

That decision but for now it means Whitmer can extend her stay-at-home order.

Republican leaders did not immediately respond to requests for comment from the Free Press about the extension but state Republican Party Chairman Laura Cox criticized the decision.

"Not only is Gretchen Whitmer going around the state Legislature with her stay-at-home orders, but now she is sneaking around the people of Michigan by announcing an extension to her stay at home order after regular business hours on a holiday weekend. The only thing she is trying to keep safe is her political career." said Cox.

A poll found that 64% of Michigan voters surveyed support her handling of the crisis, compared with 33% who did not.

As of Friday, 5,158 Michiganders have died of the coronavirus, or COVID-19, since March and the state has recorded 53,913 cases, making it one of the hardest hit states in the nation. Whitmer has repeatedly said she will continue parts of the order, or potentially reinstate them, to prevent a resurgence.

“If we open too soon, thousands more could die and our hospitals will get overwhelmed," she said. "While we finally have more protective equipment like masks, we can’t run the risk of running low again."

The governor said she was also extending the duration of other orders issued to protect workers, allowing them to remain at home if they or others around them are sick; restoring water service to those whose water has been shut off, and affirming nondiscrimination policies when providing care to people who contract the virus as well as others.

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extended her Friday to June 12, her fifth extension of a mandate that has put her at odds with Republican lawmakers and has been the subject of mounting criticism and anti-lockdown protests.

The order, called "Safer at Home," will extend temporary business closures and movement restrictions in an effort to combat the coronavirus pandemic. Whitmer also extended her state of emergency through June 19, WJBK-TV reported. In a statement, she said that while cases and deaths are declining, "we are not out of the woods yet."

"If we’re going to lower the chance of a second wave and continue to protect our neighbors and loved ones from the spread of this virus, we must continue to do our part by staying safer at home,” the Governor said.



“If we open too soon, thousands more could die and our hospitals will get overwhelmed," she said. "While we finally have more protective equipment like masks, we can’t run the risk of running low again. We owe it to the real heroes on the front lines of this crisis -- our first responders, health care workers and critical workers putting their lives on the line every day -- to do what we can ourselves to stop the spread of the virus.”

The move comes a day after a to keep Michigan under a state of emergency without approval from lawmakers. lawmakers had legally challenged the order.

In recent days, she has relaxed the stay-at-home order -- in place since March -- to allow for social gatherings of 10 people or less and allowing retail businesses to reopen for appointment-only shopping. On Friday, businesses in the Upper Peninsula and other parts of the state were allowed to operate in a limited capacity, the reported.

The mandate comes at a time when many states have begun to reopen their . Some have eased their orders or lifted them entirely. In a tweet, Michigan Republican Party Chair Laura Cox criticized the timing of the extension.



"Not only is Gretchen Whitmer going around the state Legislature with her stay-at-home orders, but now she is sneaking around the people of Michigan by announcing an extension to her stay at home order after regular business hours on a holiday weekend," Cox tweeted. "The only thing she is trying to keep safe is her political career."

As of Friday, Michigan reported nearly 54,000 COVID-19 cases, including 5,518 deaths, according to the state Department of Health and Human Services.

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