UNDATED, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The Memorial Day weekend will look very different this year as Michigan is still under Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s “Safer at Home” order. However, there are still ways to enjoy the holiday.
Just days before the weekend, the governor announced that small gatherings of 10 people or less can begin immediately, as long as participants practice social distancing. Also, retail businesses, office work that cannot be done remotely, restaurants, and bars can reopen with 50% of their normal seating in the Upper Peninsula and greater Traverse City area. Traverse City’s Mayor Jim Carruthers is still encouraging social distancing and wearing masks in public for all residents and visitors in northern Michigan.
Most beaches and state park trails will be open to the public, but it’s a good idea to check beforehand to see if there are any crowd restrictions in place.
Memorial Day parades and ceremonies have been canceled across the state, but most cemeteries will remain open for those looking to visit and honor service members.
Drivers should also be cautious on the roads. Memorial Day starts what is known as the “100 Deadliest Days to Drive.” According to Aceable, “The months between June and August — from Memorial Day to Labor Day — are known as the 100 deadliest days for driving. Typically, deadly crashes involving a teen driver increase by 14% during this period.”
Those traveling, especially Michiganders who haven’t driven in a while due to the stay at home order, should remember to follow all of the rules of the road, put the phone down, and never drink and drive.
The Van Buren/Cass District Health Department has released some tips to keep everyone safe this Memorial Day and throughout the summer:
- Keep your social distance and avoid congregating: Even with family and friends, keep the guest list for your gatherings to the people you live with. If you visit an area with higher foot traffic (like a public beach), maintain 6ft social distance between you and others and don’t forget to wear your mask.
- Consider activities or spaces where social distance comes naturally: Enjoy a hike in the woods, a walk along the trail, the pool or lake in your backyard, or your personal cottage up north. By pre-planning your activities, it will make it easier to maintain a 6ft physical distance.
- Assemble a coronavirus kit for the road: If you plan to leave your home for the day or the weekend, pack a kit to help you practice safe hygiene. Include face masks/coverings for everyone in your family, disinfecting wipes, hand sanitizer, and tissues. Don’t forget the sunscreen and hats, too!
- If you or someone in your household feels ill, stay home: Help stop the spread of COVID-19 by staying home and avoiding contact with others at any sign of illness. As a reminder, common COVID-19 symptoms include fever, chills, dry cough, difficulty breathing, acute loss of taste or smell, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.
- Know where to locate emergency health services if you’re traveling: Locate hospitals and pharmacies near your destination in case you need to access a doctor, first aid kit or medicine.
- Protect your skin: Sunscreen is important for all skin types and should be applied 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapplied every two hours or after contact with water or excessive sweat. Even just five first degree burns can double your risk for melanoma.
- Practice water safety: Never let children swim alone; adults should keep an eye on them at all times. Avoid alcohol and be cautious around natural bodies of water. If you do get caught in a rip current, remain calm, don’t fight the current, swim parallel to shore until you are released from it, then swim to shore.
- Stay hydrated: It’s easy to forget to stay hydrated when having fun but with the change in temperature, it’s even more important. Pack a water bottle for each family member when leaving the house and take frequent breaks in the shade. Experts recommend drinking 8oz every 15-20 minutes when in the heat.
- Keep the bugs away: Avoid tall grass and standing water. Use insect repellent containing DEET. Always do a full body check when coming indoors. If you find a tick, remove it with fine tweezers as close to the skin as possible. Pull upward with steady even pressure. Clean the bite area and hands.
- Don’t forget grill safety: Only take meat and other temperature sensitive food items out of your cooler or fridge for as long as you need them and promptly place unused items back in the cooler. When filling your cooler, package raw food separately – try using re-sealable plastic bags.
In a written statement, Governor Whitmer said, “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.”
