Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer Apologizes For Breaking State’s COVID-19 Rules

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-Michigan) apologized Sunday for breaking the state’s COVID-19 protocols, following a photo that appeared on social media of her at a restaurant Saturday in a group of at least 13.

Earlier this month, the state’s health department mandated that groups of no more than six people can sit together inside restaurants and that tables must be at least six feet apart.

“Throughout the pandemic, I’ve been committed to following public health protocols. On Saturday, 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,” Whitmer said in a statement Sunday. “In retrospect, I should have thought about it. I am human. I made a mistake, and I apologize.”

The apology followed amid declining COVID-19 cases across the country and as more Americans are getting vaccinated.

Whitmer is not the only Democratic governor to face criticism for breaking COVID-19 protocols. In November, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-California) faced criticism for dining at a private party with medical lobbyists, while encouraging California’s residents to avoid large social gatherings and wear facial masks.