LANSING, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-92, allowing retail businesses, office work that cannot be done remotely, and restaurants and bars with limited seating to reopen in two regions in the northern part of the state, according to the release from the governor's office.
The governor said the partial reopening will take effect on Friday, May 22 in regions 6 and 8 as detailed in the governor's MI Safe Start Plan.
The governor's office said Region 6 includes Manistee, Wexford, Missaukee, Roscommon, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Crawford, Leelanau, Antrim, Otsego, Montmorency, Alpena, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Presque Isle and Emmet counties.
The governor's office said Region 8 includes Gogebic, Ontonagon, Houghton, Keweenaw, Iron, Baraga, Dickinson, Marquette, Menominee, Delta, Alger, Schoolcraft, Luce, Mackinac, and Chippewa counties.
The governor's office said all businesses that will reopen in both regions must adopt safety measures outlined in the executive order, which means they must provide COVID-19 training to workers that covers workplace infection-control practices, the proper use of PPE, steps workers must take to notify business or operation of any symptoms of COVID-19 or a suspected or confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 and how to report unsafe working conditions.
The governor's office said restaurants and bars that reopen in both regions must limit capacity to 50% of their normal seating, keep groups at least 6 feet apart, require their servers to wear face coverings and follow "rigorous disinfection protocols."
For more information and resources on reopening restaurants and bars, click here.
"This is a step we feel like we can take in these particular regions because of the numbers that we're seeing," the governor said.
“This is a big step, but we must all remember to continue doing our part to protect ourselves and our families from the spread of COVID-19,” said Governor Whitmer. “It’s crucial that all businesses do everything in their power to protect their workers, customers, and their families. And as we approach Memorial Day weekend, I encourage everyone to be smart and be safe. My team and I will continue to work around the clock to protect the people of Michigan.”
“The data shows that these regions in Michigan are seeing consistent encouraging trends when it comes to the number of cases, deaths, and the percent of tests that are positive for COVID-19,” said MDHHS Chief Deputy for Health and Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun. “It’s important to note that these businesses must take special precautions to protect Michiganders. I also encourage everyone to continue to wear a mask in public, maintain a 6-foot distance from others, and to remain vigilant in washing their hands often. This will help prevent a second surge in cases in our state.”
“We are thankful to Governor Whitmer as today marks an important first step of reintegrating restaurants into the fabric of our daily lives,” said Justin Winslow, President and CEO of the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association. “Restaurants in the U.P. and northern Michigan understand that with their opportunity comes an extraordinary responsibility to operate in a manner that ensures the safety of their guests and their employees. I believe they are up to the challenge.”
“Like Gov. Whitmer, Mayors in Michigan support the well-being of all our citizens,” said Traverse City Mayor Jim Carruthers. “All regions of Michigan have been affected by COVID-19, and Up North, we want to support the Governor by cautiously opening up some of our economy resources. However, in doing so, we must be mindful that wearing masks and continuing to practice social distancing is a must to make this work. Stopping the spread of this virus is still key and if we can’t, then we will have to close it down again.”
“I support the shift to making decisions on a regional level when possible,” said Marquette Mayor Jenna Smith. “As restrictions are slowly eased, it will be important for us to remain vigilant to stop the spread of the virus.”
Additionally, Gov. Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-91, which "ensures robust protections for Michigan workers" as the governor continues to re-engage parts of the economy, according to a news release from Gov. Whitmer's office.
The executive order requires all businesses to follow strict safety guidelines to protect workers, patrons and communities from infection, the governor's office said.
In order to foster compliance, the governor also signed Executive Order 2020-6 to appoint a director of COVID-19 workplace safety within the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity.
“The vast majority of Michigan businesses are doing their part to slow the spread of COVID-19, but we must do more to ensure Michiganders are safe at work,” said Gov. Whitmer. “This executive order, and the Director of COVID-19 Workplace Safety, will help ensure employers take the needed measures to protect workers and customers from the spread of COVID-19. I will continue to work around the clock with LEO Director Donofrio and my partners in health care, business, and labor to ensure protections for every Michigan worker.”
Attorney General Dana Nessel, released the following statement on workplace safety:
“I know many businesses and workers are eager to get back to work. This executive order provides a roadmap of how to do that in a way that prioritizes the health and safety of Michiganders first,” Attorney General Dana Nessel said. “COVID-19 has changed how we must think about workplace safety. Because every worker in every industry across this state is impacted by the threat of this virus, we must work with our businesses to educate them on their responsibilities and then we must be diligent in ensuring that they abide by them.
“No one should feel unsafe at work. The Department of Attorney General takes its role in helping to protect worker safety very seriously.”
The Michigan GOP released the following statement on the partial reopening:
“After months of dragging her feet, Governor Whitmer has finally decided to move forward with opening Michigan in the safe and strategic manner Speaker Chatfield and Majority Leader Shirkey proposed weeks ago. After feeling the pressure of 48 other states reopening, Governor Whitmer rightfully concluded that the people of our state are smart enough to be trusted and she regionally reopened Michigan. While many hardworking Michiganders and small business owners would have welcomed this development weeks ago, it’s better late than never.”
At this time camping will not reopen, the governor said during her press conference.
The governor says they are concerned about increased traffic to northern Michigan. The governor said if you are visiting a cottage you may have up north, make sure to bring your groceries with you.
During her press conference, the governor said more information on the partial reopening will be available in the coming days.
As of Monday, May 18, there are 51,915 positive cases of coronavirus in the state with 4,915 deaths.
Additional Coronavirus information and resources:
Click here for a page with resources including a COVID-19 overview from the CDC, details on cases in Michigan, a timeline of Governor Gretchen Whitmer's orders since the outbreak, coronavirus' impact on Southeast Michigan, and links to more information from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the CDC and the WHO.
View a global coronavirus tracker with data from Johns Hopkins University.
Find out how you can help businesses and restaurants struggling during the pandemic.
Also, get information about Rebound Mid Michigan, with stories, information and more about coming back from COVID-19
Join the Rebound Mid Michigan Facebook Group.
See complete coverage on our Coronavirus Continuing Coverage page.
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