Governor orders all K-12 schools to close for 3 weeks
From Bridge Michigan: All of Michigan's public schools will close for three weeks starting Monday, in an effort to thwart the spread of the potentially deadly coronavirus. Schools will reopen April 6. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ordered the closings at a late-night Thursday press conference, just hours after the number of confirmed Michigan coronavirus cases grew from two to 12. 
 
"This is a necessary step to protect our kids, our families, and our overall public health," said Whitmer. "I am working with partners across state government to ensure educators, parents, and students have the support they need during this time, and to ensure our children who rely on school for meals have access to food. I know this will be a tough time, but we're doing this to keep the most people we can safe. I urge everyone to make smart choices during this time and to do everything they can to protect themselves and their families." Read more.
Coronavirus forces local event cancellations including Kids Festival at Boyne Mountain

The worsening coronavirus outbreak is forcing many event cancellations and postponements. Here are some of them in our area:
 
Kids Festival off-slope events have been canceled by Boyne Mountain this weekend. Here is their statement:

In an effort to do our part to minimize the spread of illness and still provide an excellent experience, we've made the decision to limit gatherings that provide a high level of guest interaction within a close proximity. Those events include:
* Kids' Festival Weekend - all off-the-slopes events canceled. On-hill events for Sunday as scheduled.
* Ride for Jake - the 1pm gathering and Après Party canceled. We plan to honor the lift ticket portion and distribute armbands.
* Canadian March Break - all indoor events and activities canceled.
* Carnival Weekend - TBD
 
At this time, all regular operations of our ski slopes, lodging accommodations, waterpark, spa, and dining establishments are to continue as usual or until advised otherwise.
 
Boyne Mountain is committed to providing a fun, outdoor escape for families by providing a safe, clean environment to recreate.
 
> The Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSSA) has suspended all winter high school sports postseason events .  Details .
 
> North Central Michigan College is canceling or postponing on-campus events that meet or approach the governor's 100-person threshold for gatherings including Luncheon Lectures, the Northern Michigan Regional Home & Outdoor Living Show and more. Spring Break has been extended and will begin one week earlier, on March 23, and extend through April 5. Details .
 
> The Canadian Brass and the Great Lakes Center for the Arts have rescheduled the performance planned for this Sunday, March 15 and look forward to sharing this performance with Northern Michigan on Sunday, October 18.
 
> To protect patients, staff, visitors, and the community, McLaren Northern Michigan is restricting visitors to one healthy adult (must be 18 years of age or older).
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