Gov. Gretchen Whitmer asked Michigan lawmakers Wednesday to extend the state’s current state of emergency for COVID-19 into mid-June, but Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey said he favors a “much shorter” extension.

In a statement responding to Whitmer’s request to extend the current state of emergency another 70 days, Shirkey, R-Clark Lake, said Senate Republicans are prepared to support a “reasonable” extension.

But because the circumstances surrounding the virus have changed so rapidly, “we feel a much shorter extension is logical to help protect our citizens and support our health systems,” he said.

“We agree that emergency circumstances persist in our state and are prepared to support an extension of the Governor’s emergency declaration, but feel a 70-day extension is too long," he said.

Related: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer asks lawmakers to extend Michigan’s state of emergency during coronavirus pandemic

Whitmer initially declared a state of emergency on March 10. That order is due to expire Tuesday, April 7.

Any emergency extension wouldn’t impact other individual orders set to expire on different dates, including the stay-at-home order set to run through April 13 - although those orders could still be extended.

Shirkey added support for an emergency declaration extension "does not transfer to support for a lengthy extension of the current ‘Stay Home, Stay Safe’ order.”

In addition to the extension request, Whitmer announced Wednesday she was formally declaring a state of disaster in Michigan due to the ongoing spread of the coronavirus.

“To meet the steep, varied, and ongoing demands created by the COVID-19 pandemic, my administration must continue to use the full range of tools available to protect the health, safety, and welfare of our state and its residents," Whitmer wrote to lawmakers. "I welcome you and your colleagues’ continued partnership in fighting this pandemic.”

Lawmakers have not met for in-person session since Tuesday, March 17.

Rep. Tyrone Carter, D-Detroit, tested positive for COVID-19 last Thursday and has continued to self-isolate at home.

On Sunday night, Detroit Rep. Isaac Robinson died suddenly from complications family members believe were caused by the coronavirus.

There have been 9,334 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Michigan, according to statewide data, and 337 people have died from the disease.

Read all of MLive’s coverage on the coronavirus at mlive.com/coronavirus.

Additional information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

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.

Related coverage:

Wednesday, April 1: Latest developments on coronavirus in Michigan

JoAnn Fabrics craft stores not ‘critical infrastructure,' must close Michigan locations, AG Dana Nessel says

Computer system for Michigan unemployment agency crashes amid crush of new claims

DNR closes Tippy Dam due to social distancing violations, warns more closures are 'likely’

Over 2,000 Michigan companies hiring despite mass layoffs due to the coronavirus pandemic, state says

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer discusses state’s coronavirus response needs with President Trump

Michigan road construction will ‘plow forward’ if deemed safe to proceed during coronavirus pandemic

State of Michigan soliciting public donations for coronavirus response

Michigan Medicine projects coronavirus cases would peak and decline in May with aggressive social distancing