Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer was criticized over the weekend after a photo revealed she was breaking the state's own social distancing guidelines at an East Lansing bar and grill.
A photo of Whitmer at the bar with a large group of friends was shared on social media by one attendee and later taken down, the conservative outlet Breitbart first reported.
The picture showed the Democratic governor sat less than six feet apart from a couple of her friends, who were also not distanced from others at the table.
Releasing a statement seen by the Associated Press on Sunday, Gov. Whitmer said: "Throughout the pandemic, I've been committed to following public health protocols. Yesterday, I went with friends to a local restaurant. As more people arrived, the tables were pushed together.
"Because we were all vaccinated, we didn't stop to think about it. In retrospect, I should have thought about it. I am human. I made a mistake, and I apologize."
Michigan coronavirus guidelines state that masks and social distancing are required at indoor gatherings. Whitmer and her friends were also breaching a state order that says no more than six people can be sat at a table together, and that a minimum of six feet should be between each table.
Tori Sachs, executive director of the Michigan Freedom Fund, a conservative pressure group, told The Detroit News that Whitmer was not following the restrictions she had set out for the state.
"She should end all restrictions immediately," Sachs later tweeted. "It's ridiculous the rest of us have to abide by these ridiculous rules while Whitmer doesn't."
The Democratic governor was found to have breached Michigan's social distancing rules a few days after her administration announced that all capacity limits for indoor and outdoor gatherings would be lifted on July 1.
She also said that indoor capacity limits would increase from their current levels on June 1 so landmarks ceremonies, such as weddings and funerals, could go ahead, albeit at reduced capacity.
"Soon, Michiganders will be able to celebrate together, have summer weddings and even enjoy a 4th of July barbeque with family and friends," Gov. Whitmer said in a statement on Thursday, May 20.
"This is what we have all been working so hard towards, and I am so grateful to every Michigander who continues to go above and beyond to keep themselves, their family, and our communities safe."
Newsweek has contacted Gov. Whitmer's office for further comment.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
To read how Newsweek uses AI as a newsroom tool, Click here.
