“We have not seen that high of a positivity rate since our first surge last spring, a year ago, and that’s concerning because we are doing many more tests than we were then,†Khaldun said.
Whitmer asked Michigan high schools to return to remote learning for the next two weeks.
“Given where we are with our numbers, MDHHS recommends that all high schools pause in-person learning for two weeks,†Khaldun said.
The state asked all schools to offer an in-person learning option starting March 1.
Whitmer and Khaldun also called on youth sports to voluntarily suspend games and practices for two weeks.
“We also recommend that all youth sports -- both contact and non-contact -- pause both practice and competitions for two weeks,†Khaldun said.
Whitmer was asked why restrictions -- on youth sports specifically -- are being recommended, and not mandated.
“So I’m not taking any options off the table, but in this moment, we are strongly urging that public schools and youth sports voluntarily take action.â€.
“Infectious disease and public health experts across the country have been quite clear that indoor dining is one of the riskiest things you can do during this pandemic,†Khaldun said.