Michigan Gov. Whitmer holds coronavirus news conference

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer held a news conference Monday morning to address the state’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.

• Gov. Whitmer was joined by Michigan state health Chief Dr. Joneigh S. Khaldun.
• NEW March 30: Michigan ‘still in early stages’ of coronavirus spread, likely ‘several weeks’ from peak
• NEW March 30: Michigan health chief calls for more medical professionals to help with COVID-19 response
• NEW March 30: Whitmer: Michigan dedicates additional $150M to coronavirus (COVID-19) response efforts
• NEW March 30: Michigan expands unemployment to include self-employed, gig workers; increases weekly benefits
• NEW March 30: Michigan to enable restaurants to sell food and pantry items amid coronavirus

The number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Michigan has risen to 5,524 as of Sunday, including 132 deaths, state officials report. Dr. Khaldun said she expects that the number of cases in Michigan will peak within the next few weeks.

Meanwhile, families have been waiting to find out the state’s plan for the remainder of the school year as schools have been shut down since March 16 due to the virus outbreak. Last week, Whitmer’s office said an announcement is coming this week about “plans to ensure our seniors graduate and that no child is held back."

Whitmer said Monday that a decision will be announced later this week.

Related: Whitmer to hold press conference today with Detroit mayor