Due to the current COVID surge in Michigan, Governor Gretchen Whitmer is encouraging residents to avoid eating inside restaurants, though she is not mandating any closures or new restrictions.

During Whitmer’s news conference on Friday, April 9, she also recommended high schools switch to online learning for two weeks after spring break. She also suggested schools hit the pause button on all sports practices and competitions.

Dr. Janae Khaldun with the Michigan Department of Health said the percent of positive cases has increased to 18 percent, which is four times the number from February and the biggest percent since the pandemic began last spring.

Besides getting vaccinated, Gov. Whitmer and health leaders are urging  to all residents to stay vigilant by masking up and social distancing to help prevent the spread of the virus.