State Rep. Douglas Wozniak, of Shelby Township, today urged residents across Macomb County to adhere to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s stay-at-home executive order as reported positive cases of coronavirus – or COVID-19 – continue to rise.

The order will go into effect Tuesday, March 24 at 12:01 a.m. and continue through April 13. It allows for certain essential business and activity to continue.

“This directive works hand-in-hand with recommendations we’ve been hearing from medical professionals – practicing social distancing and not going out unless it’s critical,” said Wozniak. “It also offers some needed flexibility so people can keep operating their business if they are deemed essential, such as restaurants and local markets. The hope for this is to slow spread and keep people safer. I hope it’s respected in Macomb County.

“Our older generations have shown to be the most vulnerable to this virus. In addition, 41% of reported cases in Michigan are people between the ages of 20-49. This should be a directive for everyone.”

Entities such as banks, grocery stores and gas stations can remain open under the order. Restaurants will also be allowed to remain open for take-out food services. Portions of the workforce deemed critical include sectors such as health care, public safety, food and agriculture, public works and energy services.

The number of positive coronavirus cases in Michigan surpassed 1,300 on Monday, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. Macomb County has reported 175 cases and two deaths, as of Monday afternoon.

Reliable information about COVID-19 can be found at www.michigan.gov/coronavirus and www.cdc.gov/coronavirus. Residents with health-related questions can also call Michigan’s coronavirus hotline at 1-888-535-6136 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. or email [email protected].

Wozniak said he welcomes any questions or concerns residents may have. His office can be reached by phone at 517-373-0843 or email at [email protected].