Gov. Whitmer On Masks, Schools, Another Stay-Home Order, and More [VIDEO]

As Michigan's COVID-19 numbers continue to rise, Governor Gretchen Whitmer says that it's the responsibility of Michigan's citizens to do their part in slowing the spread of the disease.

The governor spoke with Grand Rapids' WOOD-TV last night, addressing many concerns like avoiding another stay-home order and the likelihood that children will resume in-person learning in the fall.

"Michigan is in a stronger position than a lot of other states. But the fact of the matter is, we are seeing our COVID-19 numbers increasing in every part of the state of Michigan," Whitmer said. "That's troubling, because, in less than 55 days, we're hoping our kids can resume in-person instruction. And if the numbers are going up and they stay in the same trajectory, that's probably not going to happen."

Whitmer said that each of Michigan's school districts are required to have a plan in place for each phase that its district is in.

Phase three is distanced learning, phase four will allow for in-person instruction "with some serious protocols and requirements" in place, and phase five will allow for fewer restrictions.

Addressing how schools will need to react if a student tests positive for COVID-19, Whitmer said districts will need to handle each situation on a case-by-case basis.

"Parents are going to be able to scrutinize [their district's plan] and know exactly what the protocol is," the governor said. "If we have a big outbreak in a school then that's very different then if we have a [single] student."

On a personal note, the governor noted that she is hopeful that her own daughter will be able to return to school in the fall.

The governor reiterated the need for everyone to wear masks out in public.

"This virus doesn't move, people move. As we are out and about moving, if we can wear a mask, we can drop the likelihood that COVID-19 will spread and infect other people and that's why everyone masking up makes a big difference," she said. "It's really on all of us to do our part to push these numbers down."

Whitmer remains hopeful that the state will not have to engage in another stay-home order, acknowledging that it would have a negative impact on businesses and the economy.

"If we have too much of a concentration of COVID-19 all across the state, then the whole state might have to take a step backwards and that's what I'm trying to avoid," she said. "I do think we're unamious in the fact that none of us wants to go back to a stay-home order. I can tell you I don't."

Watch the complete interview with WOOD-TV below.