Michigan Health Director Robert Gordon Resigns, No Reason Given

Gordon began his tenure as MDHHS director in 2019, and has previous experience outside of MI in the federal government and nonprofit sectors.

As almost 15,000 people have died in Michigan from the coronavirus and the state has gone through a series of closures, openings and reclosures, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) released their latest epidemic order. It has been an honor to serve alongside wonderful colleagues. "I look forward to the next chapter".

Although restaurants are opening, MDHHS Director Robert Gordon said in the MSP release that people should consider safer options.

"Elizabeth Hertel has dedicated her career to protecting Michiganders' public health, and she is uniquely prepared to lead MDHHS as we continue working together to end the COVID-19 pandemic", Whitmer said in the statement. Ending the COVID-19 pandemic will take hard work and partnership between state government, businesses and organizations across the state. "I am grateful for the opportunity to lead the department at this time".

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This new order will be in effect until February 21. "One of the most important things Michiganders can do is to make a plan to get the safe and effective vaccine when it's available to you", Whitmer said.

Stamas and other Republicans mischaracterized Whitmer and Gordon's orders as mandates to close restaurants and bars. But since the closure, the state's numbers have stabilized: hospital capacity dedicated to COVID-19 patients has been declining for seven weeks, case rates are down to 225 cases per million after peaking at 740 cases per million on November 14, and the positivity rate is now at 6.8% and declining. The order is in place until February 21.

The new order, which was issued by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, states that restaurants and bars will be allowed to reopen at 25% capacity with up to 100 people. It is now time for this administration to move aggressively towards a more comprehensive reintegration strategy, which includes prioritizing vaccination for the broader hospitality industry and establishing clear metrics for phased reopening to 100 percent capacity of indoor dining.

Representatives for Whitmer did not respond to whether she was concerned the Senate would not confirm Elizabeth Hertel.