LANSING - March 10 will mark the one year anniversary of the first cases of COVID-19 being detected in Michigan. In response, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is encouraging residents to turn on their lights outside their homes from 8pm- 9 pm on March 10 to remember those who have died as a result of the virus.

“We’ve had a difficult year and lost so many fellow Michiganders, “ Whitmer said. “On Wednesday, Lieutenant Governor 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. 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.”

Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist said this simple act is a way to honor the thousands of people who have died from COVID-19.

“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.

In the past year, Michigan has detected about 600,000 COVID-19 cases and over 15,000 deaths.