Whitmer: Trump should declare national disaster over coronavirus

Detroit Free Press (MI)

Mar. 16--Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Monday called on President Donald Trump to declare a federal disaster and said in the meantime states such as Michigan must get aggressive in fighting the coronavirus.

"Tthe federal governnent hasn't been prepared," Whitmer said on MSNBC.

"This virus is growing exponentially. This is really important that we show leadership, that we get aggressive here. We need to flatten this curve."

Whitmer, who on Tuesday declared a state of emergency in Michigan, called on Trump to declare a federal disaster, saying Michigan needs more testing equipment, personal protection equipment, masks, and hand sanitizer, among other needs.

Whitmer made her comments as she ordered all bars and restaurants to close by 3 p.m. Monday, except for carry out and delivery services.

"None of these decisions are taken lightly," she said.

Michigan now has 53 presumed cases of COVID-19, according to a Sunday night update from state officials. That number, up from two on Tuesday, is expected to continue to increase as testing steps up.

The governor earlier called on Detroit casinos and all public schools in Michigan to close.

A disaster declaration would increase the powers of state and local officials to act against the virus and also free up additional federal funding.

At a separate news conference, U.S. Rep. Andy Levin, D-Berkley, called on Trump to invoke the Defense Production Act to require companies to manufacture the required masks, respirators and other items needed to address the crisis.

Whitmer, who along with other governors is to participate in a conference call Monday with the president, said images of travelers crammed together, "lined up like a cattle call," awaiting screening at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago were disturbing. That is a federal responsibility and must be fixed, she said.

"Social distancing is the most important thing we can do," she said.

Whitmer said she was also disturbed to see Detroit-area bars holding large parties in advance of St. Patrick's Day, saying that was the "antithesis" of what the Centers for Disease Control and Protection are recommending.

Michigan "has the power" to stop that through licensing, and will "use every tool in our toolbox," Whitmer said. "This is about our public health."

Whitmer, who is a national co-chair for former Vice President Joe Biden's Democratic presidential campaign, was asked whether she is under consideration as his running mate, given Biden's statement Sunday that he will select a woman.

"It is not going to be me," Whitmer said, but "I'm going to have a hand in helping him" make the selection.

Contact Paul Egan: 517-372-8660 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @paulegan4. Read more on Michigan politics and sign up for our elections newsletter.

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