Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency, shut down public schools, bars and restaurants, and banned gatherings of 50 people to limit the spread of coronavirus COVID-19, but President Donald Trump said she “must work harder" to address the pandemic.

Trump referred to Whitmer as the “failing Michigan governor” in a Tuesday morning statement on Twitter, saying she must be more proactive but providing no details about how her response is lacking. His remarks came after Whitmer called on Trump to step up his coronavirus response during Monday and Tuesday appearances on cable news networks.

READ MORE: Timeline of coronavirus in Michigan: How did we get here?

“We are pushing her to get the job done,” Trump wrote. “I stand with Michigan!”

Whitmer responded with a list of her actions during the last several days.

“Now that I’ve got your attention, Mr. President - attack tweets won’t solve this crisis,” Whitmer wrote on Twitter. “But swift and clear guidance, tests, personal protective equipment, and resources would.”

3/3: Created COVID-19 task forces

3/6: Ensured Medicaid waiver for copays & cost sharing for testing

3/10: Declared a State of Emergency

3/11: Recommended mitigation strategies

3/12: Expanded access to telemedicine

3/12: Closed all K-12 schools — Governor Gretchen Whitmer (@GovWhitmer) March 17, 2020

3/16: Lifted road weight restrictions



The latest information is available at https://t.co/m2sOFDoo30.



For those who have questions about the state’s actions to mitigate the spread of coronavirus, please call our COVID-19 Hotline at 1-888-535-6136 between 8AM - 5PM daily. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer (@GovWhitmer) March 17, 2020

Whitmer said states have been more aggressive in dealing with the threat of coronavirus while “the federal government hasn’t been prepared.” Trump told governors on a Monday conference call that they should obtain respirators and other vital medical equipment on their own, according to a New York Times report.

“I mean, it’s amazing to hear the head of the federal government say don’t go through the federal government because it works too slowly," Whitmer said on CNN Monday. “We have to cut red tape, we have to harness all of our assets and make this happen. This is a dire situation because I think this administration didn’t take it seriously enough on the front end.”

Whitmer and Trump’s relationship has gained significant political weight in the last few months. She was tapped to deliver the Democratic response to Trump’s State of the Union address and later joined former Vice President Joe Biden’s 2020 presidential campaign as a national co-chair.

Michigan Republican Party Chairman Laura Cox said Whitmer is doing her constituents "a great disservice going on national television, and playing partisan politics during a time of crisis.”

Whitmer’s response to the coronavirus started on Feb. 3, when the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services activated its emergency coordination center. The State Emergency Operations Center was activated on Feb. 28, and Whitmer created four task forces days later.

A state of emergency was declared in Michigan on March 10 after the first cases of coronavirus were discovered. She announced all K-12 schools will close two days later. Within a week, the total number of cases in Michigan rose to 54.

Trump declared a national emergency on March 13. Days earlier, he had accused the “fake news media” and Democrats for trying to “inflame the coronavirus situation far beyond what the facts would warrant.”

Trump has faced criticism from Whitmer and other Democrats for downplaying the threat of coronavirus, but the president has become more serious about the infectious respiratory illness in recent days. Trump told reporters Monday that the coronavirus could continue to impact American life well into the summer months.

“They think August, it could be July, could be longer than that,” Trump said.

Whitmer started this week by temporarily closing dine-in services at all bars and restaurants. She also shut down theaters, fitness centers and various other public spaces in response to the coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak.

Other actions Whitmer took this month include expanding unemployment benefits to sick workers, halting semi cargo weight restrictions to increase delivery of vital supplies, and restricting entry to Michigan health care facilities to personnel who are essential for medical and daily care.

Whitmer said she would be open to a federal policy banning “unnecessary travel.” Whitmer also called on the federal government to assist states in obtaining tests for coronavirus.

Trump urged Americans to work from home, avoid traveling and eating at restaurants and limit gatherings of more than 10 people for the next 15 days. Trump announced the new guidelines Monday.

Trump said his administration is working to make 1.4 million coronavirus tests available in the next week and 5 million in the next month, but doubted the country will need “anywhere near” 5 million test kits.

Trump was asked if he would accept responsibility for the slow roll-out of testing during a Friday press conference.

“I don’t take responsibility at all, because we were given a set of circumstances and we were given rules, regulations and specifications from a different time,” Trump said.

PREVENTION TIPS

Michigan’s State Emergency Operations Center is coordinating state-government resources and the response to the coronavirus spread. It has shared the following tips:

What you can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases:

· Always cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue or sleeve.

· Stay home if you are sick and advise others to do the same.

· Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

· Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

· Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.

· Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, if soap and warm water are not available.

· Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces (computers, keyboards, desks, etc.).

· It’s not too late to get your flu shot! While the influenza vaccine does not protect against COVID-19 infection, it can help keep you healthy during the flu season.

For statewide and national information on the virus, visit Michigan.gov/Coronavirus or CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

Read more on MLive:

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