LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — As coronavirus cases and deaths continue to drop in Michigan, some small businesses are now reopening.
On Thursday, May 21, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed another executive order, allowing the state to re-engage more sectors of the economy, according to her “MI Safe Start Plan.”
The order specifically allows:
- Retail businesses and auto dealerships to reopen by appointment starting on Tuesday, May 26
- Nonessential medical, dental and veterinary procedures can resume Friday, May 29
- Small gatherings of 10 people or less can begin immediately, as long as participants practice social distancing
In a written statement, the governor stated, “The data shows that Michigan is ready to phase in these sectors of our economy, but we must stay vigilant and ensure we’re doing everything we can to protect ourselves and our families from the spread of COVID-19. On behalf of our brave first responders on the front lines of this crisis, we must continue to all do our part by staying safer at home. We owe it to them to do what we can to stop the spread of this virus.”
Whitmer adds that some form of the “Safer at Home” order will most likely need to be extended in the upcoming days. That means it’s still unclear when bars, restaurants, and other businesses can reopen at this time. “This virus is still very present in the vast majority of our state,” she said during her press briefing.
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun was not present at the press briefing, but in a written statement she stated, “As businesses continue to reopen, it’s crucial that they adopt strict safety measures to protect their employees, customers, and their families. I know that as medical professionals begin offering nonessential procedures again, they will do everything in their power to protect patients and their families from COVID-19. I will continue to work with Governor Whitmer and our partners across Michigan to protect our families and lower the chance of a second wave.”
The governor also signed a separate executive order, updating a prior rule on workplace safety to prevent infection with the reopening of outpatient health-care facilities, including clinics, primary care physician offices, and dental offices. The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs will issue guidance to aid those facilities in adopting appropriate safeguards.
All businesses in this reopening order will have to adopt social distancing practices and other mitigation measures to protect their workers. This will include COVID-19 training, the proper use of personal protection equipment, and knowledge on how to notify workers on how to report symptoms or suspected coronavirus cases, among other things.
This comes after Governor Whitmer announced that the Upper Peninsula and the Traverse City area can partially reopen bars, restaurants, retail, and office space starting Friday, May 22.
