FLINT, MI — Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley is recommending city residents to voluntarily shelter in place as the coronavirus spreads in Michigan.

The self-imposed shelter-in-place order issued by Neeley asks residents to “take proactive steps to protect their health and those around them,” according to a news release from the city. The order will not force any businesses to close so residents will still be able to get groceries, medications and go to work, the release said.

He made the announcement Sunday, March 22 in a Facebook live post.

The self-imposed order means “don’t go out if you don’t have to.” Neeley said during his Facebook address. He added that it is not a mandate, but a request that residents stay home to slow the spread

“I’m issuing an advisory for a residential, self-imposed shelter in place,” Neeley said. “In order to slow the spread of the virus, we must take some action to be proactive versus reactive. We have to do our part.”

Genessee County has reported 14 COVID-19 cases and the total number of cases in Michigan has climbed over 1,000, he said. There have been no reported deaths in Genesee County.

Related: Sunday, March 22: Latest developments on coronavirus in Michigan

Genesee, Saginaw counties see uptick in coronavirus cases

He added that it is important to continue to practice social distancing and sanitize hands, especially when visiting people in the “vulnerable population.”

Flint-based Dr. Lawrence Reynolds joined Neeley during the announcement. advising people to travel in small groups and practice good hygiene to stay healthy as well as protect the health of others.

“It’s up to us as neighbors and residents of Flint to prevent the spread of coronavirus," Lawrence said.

All departments and services in the city are still operational and available to residents, the release said. More information can be found online at www.cityofflint.com/covid-19.

Read all of MLive’s up-to-date coverage on the coronavirus at mlive.com/coronavirus. Additional information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

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