Anniversary: Whitmer, Khaldun reflect on COVID one year into pandemic

While the battle against COVID-19 rages on, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer took a look back at the past year during a briefing on Wednesday.

It was one year ago — March 10, 2020 — that the first two cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in Michigan.

“The year since has been equal parts historic and heartbreaking with our fair share of horrors and heroism. We’ve experienced a lot together — a recession, a flood, a racial reckoning and an election,’’ Whitmer said. “… These defining moments all happened against the omnipresent backdrop of a global pandemic that was sweeping the world.’’

Whitmer repeatedly thanked the people of Michigan for their efforts in the battle against a global health menace.

“When neighbors, friends or family need a hand Michiganders always have one to give. It’s who we are. We get through tough times together,’’ Whitmer said. “As I’ve said before, tough times don’t last but tough people do. We in Michigan have been tested and we are tough. Together I know we’ll beat this damn virus and rebuild our economy and our communities back stronger than ever before.’’

Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, has been by Whitmer’s side throughout the pandemic. So it was fitting she also spoke on Wednesday.

She remembers the night the first cases were reported a year ago.

“At the time I knew the days ahead would be difficult, but I don’t think anyone could have

imagined just how challenging it would be,’’ Khaldun said. “The virus has ravaged our communities, exposed the atrocities of health inequities and completely disrupted just about every aspect of our daily lives. And it has taken far too many people from us.’’

COVID has killed more than 15,600 Michiganders so far.

Since Khaldun also works in a hospital emergency department, she has seen the battle from the front lines.

“As an ER doctor I’ve seen the scared look on a patient’s face when they’re struggling to breathe because

COVID is attacking their lungs,’’ Khaldun said.

Khaldun noted how she had seen Michiganders’ concern and care for each other throughout the year.

“People in Michigan know what to do to fight this virus back and while our battle is not over we have the tools we need to bring this pandemic to an end as quickly as possible,’’ the doctor said.

So far 2.7 million in Michigan have been vaccinated. At least 21% of residents 16 and over have received at least one dose.

“These vaccines are the way we will be able to do more of the things we want to do just like before the pandemic started,’’ Khaldun said.