U.S.

Midwest Governors Partner to Coordinate Reopening

Timing can vary by state; following West Coast, Northeast
Economic decisions to be phased in, data-driven, governors say

People protest against the quarantine at the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing, Michigan on April 15.Photographer: Jeff Kowalsky/AFP via Getty Images

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By Elizabeth Campbell and Shruti Singh

April 16, 2020 at 7:11 PM UTC

Updated on

April 16, 2020 at 9:17 PM UTC

This article is for subscribers only.

Seven U.S. governors are forming a Midwest regional partnership to closely coordinate plans to reopen their economies based on data and advice from experts in a way that “prioritizes our workers’ health,” the leaders announced Thursday.

Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Indiana and Kentucky will cooperate, their governors said in a statement Thursday. The coalition plans to work together, but at least two states are taking divergent approaches from day one. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said Thursday that some companies and businesses that show they can reopen safely can start returning to work May 1, while Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers extended the state’s stay-at-home order until 8 a.m. on May 26.