KALAMAZOO, MI — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer visited the Kalamazoo Expo Center Vaccination Clinic Tuesday to observe ongoing COVID-19 vaccination efforts, the governor’s office said in a news release.
On Monday, May 11, Whitmer announced that 55% of Michiganders have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. The announcement marks the first milestone of the ‘MI Vacc to Normal’ plan, which would enable in-person work to resume across all employment sectors on May 24, Whitmer said in a news release.
“Our administration and countless frontline healthcare workers have been working around the clock to ensure that every Michigander has access to the free, safe, and effective vaccine,” Whitmer said.
Related: Michigan hits first COVID-19 vaccine milestone, starts 2-week clock for return to office work
Under the plan, Michiganders can begin taking steps to return to in-person work, the governor said.
“Looking ahead, the more people who get vaccinated, the sooner we can get Vacc to Normal and emerge from this pandemic together,” Whitmer said. “I encourage all Michiganders to be a part of the solution and get their shots as soon as possible to protect theirs friends, family, and community.”
The trip was also so Whitmer could ensure that vaccines are being distributed efficiently and equitably, according to the statement from the governor’s office.
The goal is to equitably vaccinate at least 70% of Michiganders, ages 16 and older, as soon as possible. As part of the efforts, Michigan is partnering with organizations and venues like the Kalamazoo Expo Center to create more opportunities for Michigan residents to receive a vaccine, the governor’s office said.
Gov. Whitmer was also slated to visit the Interstate 94 construction project in Portage to highlight the administration’s efforts to fix roads and bridges, the news release states.
Left to right: MDOT Director Paul C. Ajegba, MDOT Southwest Region Associate Region Engineer of Operations Janine Cooper, and Governor Gretchen Whitmer. (MDOT Nick Schirripa photo)
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