LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Several Michigan offices are weighing in with tips for grocery shopping and patronizing restaurants while the COVID-19 situation continues to unfold.
In response to Governor Whitmer’s state-ordered shutdown of all Michigan bars and eateries, minus some take-out and delivery services, options will be more limited for the time being.
According to an official statement, the MI Dept. of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD) and the MI Restaurant and Lodging Association are encouraging citizens to patronize these establishments through these alternative services.
Under the order, businesses may still serve food and beverage using delivery service, window service, walk-up service, drive-through service, or drive-up service. Five people may be inside at one time to pick up orders, so long as they stay six feet apart from each other.
“It’s important Michigan take the necessary steps to protect public health, but we also realize the importance of supporting local retail, eateries and stores,” said Gary McDowell, director, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Director. “You can still get your favorite foods, just in a different way than before, as we work together to reduce the spread. I urge you to continue to support your area businesses, who are often the foundation of our local communities, by buying gift certificates for later use, getting take-out or delivery.”
In addition to these dine-in changes, buying goods in bulk from stores can also be a damaging practice, as it does not provide the proper time needed to restock. Officials say that giving stores the time needed to do so is crucial to making sure they are available to all citizens.
“Grocers are working hard to keep stores sanitary and stocked. We’re encouraging consumers to make reasonable purchasing decisions,” said Bill Hallan, President and CEO of Michigan Retailers Association. “This will take the pressure off grocery stores that are trying to keep up with demand for such essentials as toilet paper and hand sanitizer. Those products will be consistently available if shoppers simply buy what they need, rather than clearing the shelves.”
Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.
