Michigan will remain under a statewide stay-at-home order until April 30 as the coronavirus pandemic continues, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced Thursday, albeit with some additional restrictions.

The order, which has been in effect since March 24, was initially due to expire after April 13. During a Thursday afternoon press conference, Whitmer said the continued increase in COVID-19 cases and deaths in Michigan made an extension of the order unavoidable.

“Michigan has the third-highest number of COVID-19 cases in the country, and we’re still on the upswing. We must continue to do everything we can to slow the spread and protect our families,” Whitmer said in a release announcing the change. “Data shows that most Michiganders are doing their part by staying home and staying safe. That’s good, but we must keep it up."

Michigan’s order requires most residents to stay home unless their work or activity is deemed essential. Most in-person storefronts and businesses are closed, and restaurants are limited to takeout or delivery only.

The order will continue to prohibit public and private gatherings among people outside a single household, and orders individuals to stay home unless their work or activity is deemed essential.

One big change will now limit travel between two residences in the state, a move some communities in northern Michigan have been calling for as the weather improves. People will have through April 10 to travel to another residence in the state, after which point the travel will be deemed unnecessary until the order expires.

Another new addition to the order requires large stores to limit the number of people in the store at one time to no more than 4 customers for every 1,000 square feet of customer floor space. Small stores must limit capacity to 25 percent of the total occupancy limits, including employees, under fire codes.

Stores will be required to establish lines with markings to ensure six feet of social distancing while customers wait to enter the store. Areas of the store dedicated to carpeting, flooring, furniture, garden centers, plant nurseries or paint must remain closed.

Michigan is one of at least 42 states that have a stay-at-home order in place for some or all of the state. Collectively, stay-at-home orders currently impact at least 316 million people in the U.S., according to an analysis from the New York Times.

Violating the order could result in a misdemeanor charge, a civil fine of up to $1,000 and possible licensing sanctions for businesses.

On Wednesday, Michigan became the third state in the country to reach 20,000 confirmed cases, following New York and New Jersey.

Michigan’s order prohibits in-person work “that is not necessary to sustain or protect life.” Major exemptions include health care facilities, public safety, and businesses that provide health care, food, medicine, gas and banking.

The governor's order identifies various types of critical industries that must remain open, including distribution centers, public transit, trash pick-up and disposal, public works and utilities, communications and information technology and "critical manufacturing."

Those businesses can designate suppliers or service providers who are needed to keep their operation going. Suppliers can designate other organizations they need to stay open.

Under the order, employers can designate employees who are needed “to conduct minimum basic operations.” Those employees are still allowed to leave their home to work.

Since the order went into effect, the administration has issued a number of clarifications regarding what is essential versus non-essential as industry groups seek clarity.

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CORONAVIRUS PREVENTION TIPS

In addition to washing hands regularly and not touching your face, officials recommend practicing social distancing, assuming anyone may be carrying the virus.

Health officials say you should be staying at least 6 feet away from others and working from home, if possible.

Carry hand sanitizer with you, and use disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray cleaners on frequently-touched surfaces in your home (door handles, faucets, countertops) and when you go into places like stores.