First anniversary of COVID-19 shutdown Sturgis Journal One year ago, life as we knew it changed for everyone, as the COVID-19 pandemic reached the area. The first positive COVID-19 case in Michigan was announced March 10, 2020. On March 13, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced schools would be closed for three weeks along with “non-essential” businesses. Michigan residents were told to "shelter in place." Most local residents say they thought it would last a few weeks or a few months, but experts warned it continue for at least a year. Few could comprehend that length of time. When the shutdown was announced, many headed to the store to buy milk, toilet paper, disinfectant wipes and hand-sanitizer, in case supplies dwindled or were depleted.