Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun held a brief news conference Thursday morning to address the state’s coronavirus (COVID-19) response.

Whitmer announced she signed Executive Order 2020-35, which orders all K-12 school buildings to close for the remainder of the school year — unless restrictions are lifted — and ensures continuing of learning by setting guidelines for remote learning. District facilities may be used by public school employees and contractors for the purposes of facilitating learning at a distance while also practicing social distancing. Read more about the order here.

Schools have been ordered closed since March 16.

READ: Michigan K-12 schools closed for rest of school year -- what we know

The state is expected to reach a peak of COVID-19 cases in April. On Wednesday, the state reported a total 9,334 cases including 337 deaths. Dr. Khaldun reiterated the importance of following the stay home order. She said these numbers are expected to grow this week, and the only way to help stop the spread is by staying home and staying away from others.

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