The following was released by Gongwer News Service at 2:59 p.m. on Thursday, April 9, 2020:
Governor Gretchen Whitmer today extended her order requiring Michigan residents to stay in their homes, with some exceptions, to combat the COVID-19 pandemic through April 30.
Ms. Whitmer issued her original stay-at-home order on March 23 to take effect March 24, and originally would have ended April 13.
“Michigan has the third highest number of COVID-19 cases in the country, and we’re still on the upswing. We must continue to do everything we can to slow the spread and protect our families,” Ms. Whitmer said in a statement. “Data shows that most Michiganders are doing their part by staying home and staying safe. That’s good, but we must keep it up. When we do, we can save lives and shorten the amount of time we’re working through this crisis, which will be good for our families and good for our economy in the long-run. We can also protect critical infrastructure workers like doctors, nurses, grocery store employees, and child care workers. Now more than ever, it’s crucial that people stay home and stay safe.”
There are some changes in Executive Order 2020-42 to the original order. Travel for vacations or for any other nonessential purpose is now prohibited.
Large stores must also now limit the number of people in the store to four customers for every 1,000 square feet of customer floor space. Smaller stores must limit capacity to 25 percent of the fire code occupancy limit. Stores must also establish markings to regulate entry so that customers are at least six feet apart while waiting. And large stores must close areas dedicated to carpeting, flooring, furniture, garden centers, plant nurseries or paint.
Ms. Whitmer will address the situation at a 3 p.m. briefing to be broadcast via the Department of State Police’s social media accounts.
“This doesn’t mean everything will go back to normal on May 1,” Ms. Whitmer said. “But based on the data we have right now, this is the appropriate window for an extension. It will take time to safely and responsibly re-open the economy, which is why we will continue to provide critical unemployment support and assistance to our small businesses during this challenging time. We will get through this if we all continue to do our part.”
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Construction continues to be considered an essential service for those contractors who decide to keep working with safety protocols in place.
