Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said she's not sure if the rest of the state will be able to move into phase 5 of the MI Safe Start Plan.
In the past few weeks, the governor had said her goal was to move the state into phase 5 by the Fourth of July, but it is "not looking like it right now."
Cases in the state are on the rise, with more than 200 new cases being reported every day for the last week. Cases reached a monthly high on June 26 with 389 new cases, the highest number since more than 500 cases were reported on May 31.
"The way the numbers look, I'm not sure that we'll get to phase 5 by the Fourth of July," she said.
According to Whitmer, she has a call on Monday about the models, but they're concerned about the numbers.
"People have dropped their guard a bit, and that's why I am imploring people to wear those masks, stay home, but if you're out and about, be careful," she said to 7 Action News on Monday afternoon. "If everyone does their part, Michigan can continue to move forward."
Several states – including Texas – have recently taken steps backward of their reopening as cases spike. Whitmer said she doesn't want to do that, but she'll always look at the epidemiology and listen to public health experts to save lives.
Michigan entered phase 4 of the MI Safe Start plan in early June, which was followed by the lifting of the stay-at-home order, and the re-opening of bars and restaurants.
Phase 5 would include opening gyms, movie theatres and other businesses that are still closed. On June 10, the Upper Peninsula and Traverse City area entered phase 5.
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