Whitmer Tests Positive for COVID-19 Amid Rise in Cases

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer visits Benton Harbor to meet with homeowners and inspect the progress made on replacing the city’s lead service lines on Sunday, Aug. 7.

By Associated Press

August 9, 2022

LANSING—Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has tested positive for COVID-19.

The governor said in a statement that she tested positive for the virus Monday evening and is experiencing mild symptoms. Whitmer said she plans to follow proper guidance and protocols, while maintaining a remote schedule. She also said that all of her close contacts from Monday will be notified.

“I am grateful for the support of my family, my staff, and the vaccine for offering me robust protection against the virus,” Whitmer said. “I look forward to getting back to work in person, meeting with constituents, and keeping Michigan on the move.”

Whitmer said she is fully vaccinated and has received two booster shots.

“I encourage my fellow Michiganders to get vaccinated and boosted,” she said.

New, confirmed COVID cases were up for the fourth consecutive week in Michigan, as the state reported 2,512 new cases per day last week from the week prior, MLive reports. That was enough to push 18 of the state’s 83 counties into a “high” COVID-19 transmission level, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention—which comes along with a recommendation to wear masks in public.

‘Gander Editor Kyle Kaminski contributed to this report.