While the Governor of Michigan considers loosening social distancing measures in her state, the medical officer of health in Windsor-Essex is telling residents here a quick return to normalcy will be a mistake.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer told ABC's Good Morning American Friday she is considering lifting some of the restrictions by May 1. She said she would look at the science data before making a decision. NBC News also reported her remarks.
Thousands of protesters converged on the state capitol earlier this week to protest Whitmer's Stay At Home order. While most stayed in their vehicles, a large crowd gathered on the steps of the Capitol Building in Lansing.
Whitmer expressed concern so many were not social distancing, but confessed on Friday morning's show that closing schools and businesses has weighed heavily on her mind.
In Windsor, Dr. Wajid Ahmed commented on Whitmer's remarks saying lifting the restrictions too soon could have dire consequences.
"The impacts of our actions show up weeks later," he said. "Having those looser restrictions, or opening up borders, or opening up businesses, it can put us back to where we were before."
Ahmed has stressed the need for social distancing since the beginning of the pandemic and told reporters during his daily briefing that he is not in favour of listing restrictions in Windsor-Essex for weeks to come. His comments echo those of others in public health, including Canada's top public health official, Dr. Theresa Tam.
Michigan has 29,263 confirmed cases of COVID-19, and there are 7,383 in Detroit. Ahmed admitted having an epicentre for the virus, so close is worrying.
"Well, obviously, we are in proximity right across from a big city which has seen a significant number of cases in the community -- and if we are getting exposed, it would be much more challenging for us too," he said.
As of Friday morning, Windsor-Essex had 439 confirmed cases of the virus.
