Eastern Wayne Today

On a recent episode of "The Paul W. Smith Show," Gerry Anderson was a featured guest, discussing the topic of COVID-19 and trying to help the Michigan public remain vigilant.

As the leader of the Coalition of Michigan Businesses and Health Policy Leaders, Anderson explained some of what is currently happening regarding the coronavirus battle.

“We did polling that we discussed a while back and found that people are fatigued, worn-out and looking for some things to do that just give them some relief,” Anderson told Smith. “And unfortunately, that's a complicated thing in the midst of this virus. But you're exactly right. People are worn-out.”

Smith said that Anderson is working on an advertising campaign with a character representing the virus, stalking residents of Michigan in all of the places they go on a regular basis.  

Anderson explained that after some polling, it became evident that individuals were not exercising the degree of caution that they should be in regards to the virus. 

“Labor Day, socializing, return to school in some communities in terms of tens of thousands of students at universities is something the health care community is worried about, the sort of a doubleheader, the flu season and COVID, it was clear that we needed something that could bring through that fatigue,” Anderson said on the radio program.

With the mounting concern and cases of coronavirus, it became clear that some more action was needed. 

“So we've put together $5 million dollars to fund the advertising campaign across the state to encourage people to stay vigilant and do the basics. But to try to do that in a fresh way, Paul W, that has a chance to break through because we're finding the old messaging is just sort of worn-out and not getting through anymore,” Anderson told Smith.

According to Smith, Anderson had previously said that the new campaign is “a creative and bold attempt to cut through the noise and connect with Michiganders who are tired of being lectured.”