Whitmer calls it ‘concerning’ that top Republican in Michigan is 'an anti-masker’

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan’s governor said the top Republican in the state has a “disdain” and “ignorance” when it comes to the science of the coronavirus (COVID-19) and called it concerning that he is an “anti-masker.”

“Well, I think it is concerning that the top Republican in Michigan government is an anti-masker and doesn’t want to encourage and require everyone across the state to mask up,” Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said.

Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey said over the weekend that he wouldn’t support any type of mask mandate in the state of Michigan.

• More COVID-19 orders will be issued for Michigan in ‘coming hours and days,’ Gov. Whitmer believes
• Whitmer predicts ‘uncertainty, disruption, risk to economy’ after coronavirus orders struck down
• Michiganders could lose unemployment benefits if no action is taken in next few days, Whitmer says

His comments came after the Michigan Supreme Court struck down the governor’s emergency orders, ruling that the 1945 law through which she went above the heads of legislators to issue executive orders is unconstitutional.

Days later, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services issued regulations regarding masks, gatherings and some businesses across the state. A series of counties have also issued their own rules following the announcement.

Whitmer said Tuesday during a news conference that she’s willing to negotiate with Republicans, calling on them to cancel their October recess and return to the Capitol.

She was asked specifically about Shirkey’s mask comments.

“I think that those comments show you a real disdain for science and ignorance of the epidemiology that we are up against,” Whitmer said.

• Whitmer calls out Michigan lawmakers: ‘I’m here in the Capitol today. The legislature’s not.’
• Governor: Court’s ruling does not eliminate all of our COVID-19 protections

She cited public health experts and scientists who support masks as a means to stop the spread of COVID-19.

“That’s why I’m glad that our director of Health and Human Services has epidemiological or epidemic orders that he is able to sign to keep us safe, and I think that as we move forward, where I have to negotiate with the legislature -- I’ve always been interested in negotiating with the legislature,” Whitmer said. “We can find some common ground, but I’m not going to hold back in doing what we know to be the right thing to protect people in this state."

More coverage

Here’s much more previous coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Whitmer’s handling of pandemic:

• Michigan stay-at-home order timeline: 70 days, 4 extensions, ever-changing restrictions
• Why Whitmer thought June 1 was right time to lift stay-at-home order
• Here are all 136 executive orders issued by Whitmer during COVID-19 pandemic
• List of Michigan executive orders that are still active
• Michigan salon owners ‘disrespected’ by Whitmer telling people to ‘Google how to do a haircut’
• Whitmer apologizes for comment that offended hair salon owners
• Whitmer admits flaws in controversial COVID-19 nursing home policy
• Michigan lawmakers demand Whitmer stop placing COVID-19 patients in nursing homes
• Whitmer lifts restrictions on overnight summer camps, school sports
• Whitmer calls attempts to strip her powers ‘irresponsible, dangerous, foolish’
• Gov. Whitmer extends Michigan state of emergency until July 16
• Michigan lawmakers pass resolutions against Whitmer’s nursing home policy
• Whitmer signs order allowing professional sports to return in Michigan without fans
• What’s gone wrong in Michigan’s handling of coronavirus in nursing homes
• Whitmer threatens stricter laws if Michigan residents refuse to ‘mask up’
• Metro Detroit businesses implement Whitmer’s new mask regulations
• Whitmer signs order requiring masks in indoor, some outdoor public spaces
• Here’s how Wayne County Sheriff’s Office plans to enforce new mask rules
• Here’s how Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office plans to enforce new mask rules
• Michigan state of emergency extended until Aug. 11
• Police around Metro Detroit flooded by calls from residents reporting others not wearing masks
• Enough COVID-19 tests available in Metro Detroit, but results taking too long to come back
• Are Michigan’s daily COVID-19 numbers accurate? Health officials respond
• Why are additional COVID-19 deaths added to Michigan’s state count after review of records?
• Trump grants Whitmer request to extend Michigan National Guard’s COVID-19 help
• Gov. Whitmer ‘trying to avoid’ moving Michigan back a phase in COVID-19 reopening plan
• Is there any chance of Whitmer loosening COVID-19 restrictions before Labor Day?
• Whitmer extends Michigan state of emergency through Sept. 4
• Michigan Court of Appeals rules Whitmer has authority to use emergency pandemic powers
• Whitmer ‘not going to be bullied’ into reopening businesses that are still closed
• Feds ask Whitmer for Michigan nursing home data to see if COVID-19 response warrants investigation
• What Whitmer said about Michigan surpassing 100,000 coronavirus cases
• Whitmer expected to announce plan to reopen Michigan gyms, movie theaters
• What Whitmer said about other states playing sports with worse COVID-19 trends than Michigan
• Whitmer hints at decision on reopening gyms, resuming sports ‘in coming days’
• “Who was bullying you?” Whitmer clarifies comment that she wouldn’t be ‘bullied’ into reopening
• ‘We have to get this right’: Gov. Whitmer hints at plan for Michigan gyms, bowling alleys, theaters
• Michiganders who lost loved ones in nursing homes during COVID-19 pandemic demand answers
• Whitmer: ‘The biggest threat to the American people is the American president’
• Is Whitmer planning more restrictions after COVID-19 outbreaks in Lansing Region?
• Whitmer reflects on COVID-19 pandemic with top advisors
• Whitmer adjusts coronavirus safety policies on nursing homes, communal meals, activities
• Governor wants clarification on when coronavirus orders will no longer be in effect

Reopening Michigan:

• Here’s how 25 sports have been divided into high, moderate, low COVID-19 risk categories
• How first day of restaurants reopening went in Metro Detroit
• Checking in with Metro Detroit auto plants 3 weeks after reopening
• Many Metro Detroiters feeling anxious about returning to world after COVID-19 shutdown
• What Mackinac Island is doing to safely welcome visitors back
• How first day of reopening went for Michigan hair salons, barbershops, spas
• Metro Detroit teachers prepare to navigate new normal when school returns in fall
• West Bloomfield begins practice as high school football season resumes amid COVID-19 pandemic
• Michigan Republican legislators unveil plans for school to return this fall
• MLB to play 60-game season -- spring training starts next week, Opening Day in late July
• Are Detroit bars, restaurants following COVID-19 rules or will they be shut down again?
• Whitmer warns Michigan could take steps backward if trouble COVID-19 trends continue
• Parents could be biggest issue for Metro Detroit schools making COVID-19 safety changes
• 5 key factors to consider in debate over sending Michigan students back to school this fall
• Michigan gym owners worried about future as home workouts become more popular during pandemic
• What Motor City Casino in Detroit will look like as it reopens
• ‘We are seeing a plateau of cases’: Michigan COVID-19 numbers decreasing in 7 of 8 regions
• Here are the 5 goals Michigan has to reach before COVID-19 restrictions are loosened
• How, where 54 types of activities, services, businesses are restricted in Michigan due to COVID-19
• Metro Detroit schools scramble to find enough technology for remote learning this fall
• Some trends support Whitmer’s claim that Michigan’s economy is rebounding
• Michigan’s economy might not have bounced back as much as Whitmer claims
• Detroit public schools superintendent asks Whitmer to reinstate high school football
• Michigan officials update how coronavirus cases are trending in all 8 regions
• When will Michigan gyms, bowling alleys, movie theaters be allowed to reopen?
• If casinos can reopen in Michigan, why can’t other businesses?
• Whitmer reopens Michigan gyms and pools, allows organized sports to resume
• Detroit public schools scramble to prepare for start of uncertain semester
• Checking in with parents, students as fall semester begins for Detroit public schools
• How coronavirus cases are trending in all 8 Michigan regions
• Is there a chance Michigan high school sporting events will open to fans this season?
• Governor warns Michigan will have to ‘take steps backward’ if COVID-19 numbers spike
• Outdoor visits allowed at Michigan nursing homes: What to know
• Big Ten reinstates fall football season, with games scheduled to begin Oct. 23-24
• Why are indoor bars still closed in Michigan? State’s top health official responds
• Whitmer declares ‘Downtown Day’ to help Michigan businesses struggling during pandemic
• City of Dearborn strongly discourages trick-or-treating this Halloween
• MDHHS issues new order requiring masks, restricting gatherings, limiting some businesses in Michigan

Health questions, advice:

• Metro Detroit doctors say coronavirus survivors reporting mental health issues
• Is it true that wearing a mask for an extended period of time can be harmful?
• Is it safe to see friends? Should children have play dates? COVID-19 expert shares advice
• Should you feel safe going to restaurants now that they’ve reopened in Michigan?
• Is it safe to start letting children play organized team sports in Michigan?
• Answering 5 common haircut questions: Is it safe? Can COVID-19 survive on hair?
• Who was most severely affected during peak of coronavirus cases in Metro Detroit?
• New research: Children much less likely to get coronavirus, experience symptoms
• Is coronavirus seasonal? Should infection rates slow during summer?
• How to help children keep up social connections during coronavirus pandemic
• Answering 5 travel questions: Driving safer than flying? Avoid parts of country? Stay in hotels?
• 8 possible COVID-19 exposure locations identified in Traverse City after group fails to follow rules
• Experts worried about parents who aren’t taking children to doctor’s appointments
• Michigan’s top medical official explains true severity of state’s recent COVID-19 spike
• Doctors say some coronavirus patients suffering from confusion, delirium
• Michigan mask requirements: Pros and cons of wearing face shields instead of masks
• Doctors report lingering coronavirus symptoms, painful long-term effects in Europe
• Why leaving your nose uncovered defeats the purpose of wearing a mask
• Scientists don’t believe mosquitoes can spread coronavirus
• Insect swarms, vampire fangs and giant bugs? People report bizarre dreams amid COVID-19 pandemic
• Metro Detroit children trying to cope with possible loss of school sports, activities
• Number of children getting infected with COVID-19 growing, experts say
• ‘Shock hair loss’: Stress-related hair loss increases during pandemic
• Vaping might increase risk of contracting COVID-19 in teens, young adults
• Studies yield mixed findings on children’s role in coronavirus pandemic
• What are odds of COVID-19 spreading to someone in same household as infected person?
• Michigan’s top medical official updates how COVID-19 cases are trending in all 8 regions
• Whitmer concerned combination of COVID-19, flu could wreak havoc on Michigan in coming months
• Top coronavirus doctor: Don’t wait for vaccine to start fighting virus
• Why experts say Labor Day weekend was ‘make or break’ in battle against COVID-19 heading into fall
• Wearing a mask will be especially important as Michigan gyms prepare to reopen
• 4 ways to reduce the spread of the coronavirus this fall in Michigan
• What Michigan’s top health official said about making athletes wear masks during sports
• Study finds sharp increase in loneliness among older adults during COVID-19 pandemic
• Does Ibuprofen increase risk of contracting serious case of coronavirus?
• Why did CDC director say masks are more of a guarantee against COVID-19 than a vaccine?
• New product added to list of cleaners that can kill coronavirus, with important extra step
• Study proves Henry Ford sterilization method makes N-95 masks safe to reuse
• 3 factors that significantly increase risk of death for young adults with COVID-19
• Many parents planning to skip flu shots for children despite warnings from experts
• Why it’s important to talk about depression, anxiety as pandemic continues
• How chance of spreading COVID-19 through air changes based on what words are spoken

Vaccines:

• What Dr. Anthony Fauci said about a timeline for a coronavirus vaccine
• Major questions about potential coronavirus vaccines will be answered soon
• Researchers report promising results in global coronavirus vaccine efforts
• Pfizer announces massive contract for coronavirus vaccine if it works
• Russia’s coronavirus vaccine announcement met with skepticism
• COVID-19 pandemic has led to fewer children getting vaccinated, more dog bites
• Experts worried plummeting vaccination rates could lead to next pandemic of childhood diseases
• 2 under-the-radar coronavirus vaccines moving forward in testing process
• COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers join together to pledge no corners will be cut
• What’s a realistic timeline for a COVID-19 vaccine? What about getting back to ‘normal life’?
• Dr. Khaldun ‘truly optimistic’ COVID-19 vaccine could be available this fall
• Breaking down massive distribution challenges facing eventual coronavirus vaccine

Outbreaks:

• Video shows Royal Oak bar linked to COVID-19 cases was crowded without social distancing
• 185 coronavirus cases now linked to outbreak at East Lansing bar
• Wayne County Public Health Division confirms 13 COVID-19 cases linked to Romulus bar, restaurant
• Red Robin in Clinton Township closes after employees test positive for COVID-19
• Saline holiday party leads to 43 confirmed COVID-19 cases, exposure locations across state
• Health officials say dozens of people from Saline house party spread COVID-19 to their communities
• Michigan State football team quarantines after positive coronavirus tests
• 4 Detroit Tigers games postponed due to COVID-19 outbreak in Cardinals organization
• 4 reasons Americans aren’t doing what it takes to contain the coronavirus (COVID-19)
• 6 Michigan businesses fined for ‘serious violations’ of COVID-19 safety protocols
• Mandatory quarantine issued for people living in 30 large houses linked to COVID-19 in East Lansing
• Utica football opener canceled, team isolated after player exposed to COVID-19 outside of school
• 19 Michigan businesses fined for serious coronavirus workplace violations
• Canada concerned about second wave of COVID-19 as cases spike
• List of COVID-19 outbreaks at Michigan schools expands; college campuses still major issue

Unemployment:

• Michigan lawmaker wants Whitmer to overhaul state’s unemployment agency
• Will extra COVID-19 unemployment benefits be extended or replaced by ‘back-to-work’ bonus?
• Here’s what scammers are doing to target Michiganders filing for unemployment
• Metro Detroit businesses struggle to find workers amid COVID-19 unemployment bonuses
• Michigan officials say $600 COVID-19 unemployment bonus ends
• Michigan unemployment worker charged with stealing money from agency amid record demand
• Whitmer signs bill to cover $300 weekly unemployment bonus for Michiganders during pandemic

Individual stories:

• Detroit mother spends 33 days on ventilator right after emergency birth due to COVID-19
• Recently married couple separated for 30 more days due to extension of US-Canadian border closure
• Detroit Lions cheerleader works as nurse during coronavirus pandemic
• Metro Detroit woman who can’t medically tolerate mask says businesses hesitant to believe her
• Michigan man killed after stabbing customer during mask argument, pulling knife on deputy, MSP says
• Port Huron man takes job at nursing home to see his wife during COVID-19 pandemic
• Previously healthy Clinton Township woman battles severe COVID-19 symptoms for 131 days
• Coronavirus survivor heads home after 73 days on ventilator in Detroit hospital
• Inside look at how Dearborn police battle coronavirus concerns
• Plymouth-Canton students make video diaries chronicling their lives during COVID-19 lockdown
• Detroit nurse who survived severe COVID-19 symptoms describes hectic early stages of pandemic
• Black Metro Detroit business owners share success stories in event-planning industry
• Huntington announces $5 billion commitment toward Michigan businesses, housing, community
• COVID-19 pandemic has affected 2 Metro Detroit businesses in very different ways
• Rental scams becoming serious problem in Metro Detroit as criminals capitalize on COVID-19 fears
• Following experts into Michigan State sewers as they search for signs of COVID-19 in wastewater
• Metro Detroiters who own Canadian cottages stressed about 6-month border closure
• Detroit woman frustrated that Michigan veterinary clinics still won’t let pet owners inside
• Patio heaters, appliances in high demand as coronavirus pandemic stretches into fall
• Pressure of COVID-19 pandemic raises concerns about Michigan teachers getting burned out
• Wayne County nonprofit helps thousands during pandemic, but worries about census impact
• Man says Menards security guard in Livonia broke his leg for not wearing mask despite medical reason

Changes:

• 6 differences you might notice next time you have a doctor’s appointment
• What reopened schools look like with coronavirus restrictions
• Espresso Royale Coffee forced to permanently shut down business due to pandemic
• These 4 Metro Detroit cities are closing streets to give restaurants more outdoor dining space
• 5 differences you’ll notice when you visit Michigan salons, barbershops and spas
• 12 changes University of Michigan students will notice this school year due to COVID-19
• Here are all rule changes, roster limits, strict safety measures in MLB’s 101-page operations manual
• Survey finds one-third of Michigan parents don’t plan to send children back to class this fall
• Metro Detroit’s economy takes another blow as COVID-19 concerns cancel Woodward Dream Cruise
• Big Ten announces conference-only schedules if fall sports are played this season
• Dearborn High School football team cancels week of conditioning due to possible COVID-19 exposure
• Michigan football 2020 ticket policy: No season tickets or sales to general public
• What Delta Airlines is doing to continue protecting passengers from COVID-19
• COVID-19 creates spike in absentee ballot requests ahead of Michigan Primary Election
• Metro Detroit parents setting up groups of students to help with remote learning this fall
• An inside look at how Amazon in Romulus has changed to keep up with COVID-19 pandemic demands
• Detroit public school teachers call for strike vote that could keep them from in-person classes
• Michigan officials alarmed by potential changes to pandemic school lunch program
• Many Metro Detroit students return to in-person learning under unique circumstances
• MHSAA reinstates fall football, other high school sports in Michigan
• Michigan football players frustrated by being left in dark about reasons for putting season on hold
• Expert calls Detroit housing, rental market ‘kind of wacky right now’
• What governor said about fans attending Michigan, Michigan State football games this year
• How Henry Ford Hospital has adapted to overcome shortages during COVID-19 testing
• Parents turn to virtual, outdoor camps to keep children engaged after school
• Amazon to hold Prime Day in mid-October after canceling event due to COVID-19 pandemic
• Thanksgiving during pandemic: Here’s which activities are considered high, low, moderate risk