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Michigan health director resigns unexpectedly

LANSING (AP) — Michigan Health and Human Services Director Robert Gordon, who issued sweeping orders to curb the spread of the coronavirus after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s powers were upended by a court ruling, abruptly resigned.

No explanation for the resignation was given. In a tweet, he said it was “an honor to serve alongside wonderful colleagues. I look forward to the next chapter.”

In recent months, Gordon helped with President Joe Biden’s transition, co-leading a team that reviewed operations at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Gordon’s announcement came just hours after he signed a revised order that will let restaurants and bars resume indoor dining on Feb. 1, ending a ban that took effect in mid-November. In a written statement announcing the latest measure — he was not at the governor’s COVID-19 news conference Friday — he said unmasked, indoor activities like dining and drinking are still a high risk.

Whitmer, a Democrat, appointed Elizabeth Hertel to succeed Gordon at the state Department of Health and Human Services, effectively immediately.

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