LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Monday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Orders 2020-168 and 2020-169, both of which are meant to protect Michigan’s frontline workers in grocery stores, pharmacies and long-term care facilities.
Whitmer’s orders extend existing safety measures, including 2 hours a week of reserved shopping time for vulnerable populations, to protect consumers and employees at grocery stores and pharmacies.
“For the past five months, Michiganders have stepped up and done their part to fight COVID-19, and frontline workers in our hospitals, grocery stores, nursing homes, and more have put their own lives on the line to protect our families,” Governor Whitmer said in a statement. “Our fight is not over yet, and that is why I am extending these protections to ensure employees, residents and customers are able to work and live in a safe environment.”
According to Whitmer’s office, Executive Order 2020-169 maintains the strong infection control protocols in nursing homes the governor put in place at the outset of this crisis, and protects residents from eviction and employees from retaliatory action for staying home when exhibiting symptoms.
In addition to the executive orders implementing these protections, she pushed inspectors to complete 100% of infection control surveys more than two months before the federal deadline, and they delivered. Executive Order 2020-169 extends through September 7.
Executive Order 2020-168, which continues through September 7, extends the following health and safety rules for grocery stores and pharmacies, among others:
- Grocery stores and pharmacies must allocate at least two hours per week of shopping time for vulnerable populations.
- If an employee tests positive for COVID-19, the business must notify other employees without infringing on private health information.
- Grocery stores and pharmacies must offer accommodations to vulnerable employees, such as low-risk assignments or a leave of absence.
To view Executive Orders 2020-168 and 2020-169, click the links below:
