LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Governor Gretchen Whitmer is implementing new policies to keep food service and pharmacy workers safe amid the coronavirus pandemic.
On Saturday she signed an executive order requiring that food service and pharmacies allocate at least two hours per week of shopping time for vulnerable customers, develop a daily screening program for employees, and notify employees if someone tests positive for COVID-19.
The specifics on the executive order are as follows:
- Require checkout employees to wear some form of covering over their nose and mouth, such as a homemade mask, scarf, bandanna, or handkerchief
- Ensure that both employees and customers remain at least six feet apart to the maximum extent possible
- Close self-serve prepared food stations such as salad bars and eliminate free samples and tasting stations
- Adopt procedures to meet the environmental cleaning guidelines set by the CDC, including by cleaning and disinfecting frequent touch points throughout the day such as point of sale terminals at registers, shopping carts, and shopping baskets
- Prohibit employees who are sick from reporting to work and send employees home if they display symptoms of COVID-19
- Accommodate employees who fall within a vulnerable population by providing lower-exposure work assignments or giving them the option to take an unpaid leave of absence with a return date coinciding with the end of the states of emergency and disaster.
- Develop and implement a daily screening program, as described herein, for all staff upon or just prior to reporting to work sites
In a written statement, the Governor said, “While Michiganders fight this virus, we must continue to take aggressive action to reduce exposure and prevent a second spike in cases. This is not the time to slow our efforts; we must continue to be smart. By establishing these guidelines, we can protect Michigan families and our frontline workers. When we come together, we can slow the spread of this virus and save lives.”
In addition, the governor extended the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” executive order until May 15th, and Michiganders are now strongly encouraged to wear a face covering over their nose and mouth when entering enclosed public places.
