FLINT, Michigan—While the full repercussions of the Supreme Court decision regarding Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s executive orders still are being determined, Mayor Sheldon Neeley urged all residents and businesses to continue following all recommended precautions against the spread of COVID-19.
It remains critically important for all residents of Flint and the State of Michigan to continue wearing masks, adhering to capacity limits, and maintaining social distancing regardless of the status of Gov. Whitmer’s executive orders, said Dr. Lawrence Reynolds, a medical doctor serving as Public Health Advisor to the City of Flint.
“This isn’t about legal requirements; This is about being safe and staying healthy. We must remain steadfastly focused on protecting the safety and wellbeing of our family, friends, customers and community,” Mayor Neeley said. “I ask all Flint residents and businesses for their continued cooperation as we work with the Genesee County Health Department and the state Department of Health and Human Services to determine next steps.”
The State of Michigan has asked the Supreme Court to clarify when the executive orders would be rescinded and asked for a 28-day transition period, which would extend the executive orders to Oct. 30, 2020.
Gov. Whitmer also indicated that many regulations will remain in effect because the Department of Health and Human Services also ordered mask use, limits on event sizes, and workplace protections.
There have been 4,156 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Genesee County — 1,445 of them in Flint (34.8 percent) as of Oct. 5, 2020, according to the Genesee County Health Department. Countywide, 281 people have died, according to the health department.
The City of Flint is believed to be the only community in the state to hire a medical advisor as part of its proactive efforts to slow the spread of coronavirus.
“This is a pandemic. A Supreme Court decision will not protect you. You need to protect yourself and your loved ones by wearing a mask, washing your hands and keeping your distance,” Dr. Reynolds said. “All local establishments should continue following the common sense guidelines outlined in these executive orders because these recommendations are in the best interest of their customers and our community — anything less would be unconscionable.”
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