Turn on lights at 8 p.m. to remember COVID victims

In remembrance of the more than 15,000 Michiganders who have died from COVID-19, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer asks that outdoor lights be turned on from 8-9 p.m. today.

March 10 marks the one-year anniversary of the first two COVID cases being confirmed in Michigan.

“We’ve had a difficult year and lost so many fellow Michiganders,’’ Whitmer said. “On Wednesday, Lt. Gov. Gilchrist and I urge everyone to turn on their porch lights for an hour, so that we can remember those we’ve lost and remind ourselves that even in times of darkness, we’re in this together.’’

Whitmer and Gilchrist have been in the forefront leading Michigan through the pandemic. The state has had more than 598,000 confirmed cases and

15,670 deaths.

“As we mark this occasion, we also look towards the light at the end of the tunnel. We have three safe, effective vaccines, all miracles of science, that will help protect you, your family, and others from COVID and help us get our country and the economy back to normal,’’ the governor added.

In Michigan more than 2.6 million vaccine doses have been administered with 1,687,797 people fully vaccinated. That number accounts for 20.9% of the state’s population for ages 16 and above.

“It’s been one year since COVID-19 was found in Michigan, and as a result, this virus has changed almost every aspect of our daily lives, but despite its darkness, we have seen the brightest light shine in the determined resolve of each other during these trying times,” Gilchrist said. “The simple act of turning on our lights is a way to remember and honor those we have lost and show that we’re all in this together and we will emerge from this crisis, together.”

Whitmer has also ordered U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol Complex and upon all public buildings and grounds across the state of Michigan to be lowered to half-staff on Wednesday.