Detroit’s Bedrock joined Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist to signify the one-year anniversary of Michigan’s first diagnosed coronavirus cases by illuminating the city’s skyline.
All Bedrock properties glowed in the city lights Wednesday as the state’s prominent leaders commemorated Michigan’s first cases of the pandemic this time last year. In remembrance of those who have lost their fight to the virus, homes across the state also took part in the light show.
As a way for neighbors to pay their respects, the Governor and the Lt. Governor asked Michiganders to be sure the lights on the outsides of their homes were Illuminated to join them in honoring victims of the virus.
“We’ve had a difficult year and lost so many fellow Michiganders,” says Governor Whitmer. “On Wednesday, Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist and I urge everyone to turn in their porch lights for an hour, so that we can remember those we’ve lost and remind ourselves the even in times of darkness, we’re in this together. 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 get out country and the economy back to normal.”
This time last year, the nation was ravaged by an unforeseeable force. Still, the pandemic has caused over half a million deaths in America alone to date. While cases continue to climb, Michigan accounts for more than 650,000 of total current cases, with Wayne county owning over 100,000 cases and attributing 4,000 new deaths according to recent numbers released by the CDC, or Center for Disease Control.
While the world suffers the unimaginable loss and devastation caused by the pandemic, mourning the loss of more than 16,000 total lives lost in Michigan since the beginning of the pandemic, Michiganders are still holding hope for the future is that faith is helping to add some solace to a grim circumstance. Displaying true Detroit resilience and grit, residents of the city and Michigan at large are continuing to fight and navigate through the maze of uncertainty caused by the pandemic.
“It’s been one year since COVID-19 was found in Michigan, and as a result, this virus had 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,” says Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist. “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.”
As Michigan continues to work together against the novel coronavirus, a new vaccination option has emerged with Johnson and Johnson’s one-dose vaccine. Opposed to Pfizer and Moderna’s two-shot system, Johnson and Johnson’s vaccine does not lack efficacy and will still help keep residents protected against the virus. Available now to those 50-years-old and beyond, city and state officials urge residents to do their part and receive a vaccination, no matter the version.
Currently, the state has administered close to three million total vaccines to Michiganders with plans to continue opening the demographics until all of the state’s residents are vaccinated.
The state-wide light vigil shined brightly for one hour across downtown Detroit Bedrock building locations. As always, to help mitigate the spread of the virus, practice social distancing, wear masks and remember to wash or sanitize hands regularly.
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