LANSING — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has extended through the end of the month her order that Michiganders stay home for all but the most necessary reasons as a way to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Whitmer’s order also means all but the most essential businesses must stay closed.

“Michigan has the third highest number of COVID-19 cases in the country, and we’re still on the upswing. We must continue to do everything we can to slow the spread and protect our families,” Whitmer said in a statement. “Data shows that most Michiganders are doing their part by staying home and staying safe. That’s good, but we must keep it up. When we do, we can save lives and shorten the amount of time we’re working through this crisis, which will be good for our families and good for our economy in the long-run. We can also protect critical infrastructure workers like doctors, nurses, grocery store employees, and child care workers. Now more than ever, it’s crucial that people stay home and stay safe.”

The stay-home order was to expire Monday.