Photo: MDHHS Chief Deputy for Health and Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun
On May 18, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-92, allowing for the reopening, in two regions, of retail businesses; office work that cannot be done remotely and restaurants and bars with limited seating. The two regions are both in the northern part of the state-specifically, MERC regions 6 and 8, as detailed in the governor’s MI Safe Start Plan to re-engage Michigan’s economy.
The partial reopening will take effect on May 22.
All businesses that will reopen in regions 6 and 8 must adopt the safety measures outlined in Executive Order 2020-91. That means they must, among other things, provide COVID-19 training to workers that covers, at a minimum, workplace infection-control practices, the proper use of PPE, steps workers must take to notify the 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. Restaurants and bars will also have to limit capacity to 50% of their normal seating, to keep groups at least six feet from one another, to require their servers to wear face coverings and to follow rigorous disinfection protocols.
“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 Whitmer. “It’s crucial that all businesses do everything in their power to protect their workers, customers and their families. 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.”
Region 6 in the governor’s MI Safe Start Plan includes the following counties: Manistee, Wexford, Missaukee, Roscommon, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Crawford, Leelanau, Antrim, Otsego, Montmorency, Alpena, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Presque Isle and Emmet.
Region 8 in the governor’s MI Safe Start Plan includes the following counties: Gogebic, Ontonagon, Houghton, Keweenaw, Iron, Baraga, Dickinson, Marquette, Menominee, Delta, Alger, Schoolcraft, Luce, Mackinac and Chippewa.
Cities, villages and townships within these regions may choose to take a more cautious course if they wish. The order does not abridge their authority to restrict the operations of restaurants or bars, including limiting such establishments to outdoor seating.
“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,” Khaldun added. “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.”
