Detroit Regional Chamber > Business Resources > COVID-19 > A Breakdown of Last Week’s Executive Orders, What is Open, and Guidelines to Follow

A Breakdown of Last Week’s Executive Orders, What is Open, and Guidelines to Follow

May 26, 2020
Last week, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a number of Executive Orders that relaxed some of the “Stay at Home” orders. She updated Executive Order 2020-100 to extend Michigan’s “Safer at Home” order until June 12, 2020. The governor’s order also extended the temporary closure of certain places of public accommodation such as theaters, gyms, and casinos.

Executive Order 2020-100 also clarifies and, as necessary, extends the duration of a number of previous executive orders. The extended orders cover protections for workers who stay home and stay safe when they or their close contacts are sick, restoring water service to those whose water has been shut off, the affirmation of non-discrimination policies in the provision of COVID-19 care, and more. View a full list of extensions under Executive Order 2020-100.

The governor also signed Executive Order 2020-99 to extend the state of emergency declaration until June 19, 2020.

Executive order 2020-96 was signed on Thursday, May 21 to reopen retail businesses and auto dealerships by appointment statewide on Tuesday, May 26, as part of her MI Safe Start plan. Effective on Friday, May 29, the requirement that health care providers delay some nonessential medical, dental, and veterinary procedures statewide is lifted. The Governor also authorized small gatherings of 10 people or less starting immediately, as long as participants practice social distancing.

Businesses that the governor has authorized to reopen must provide COVID-19 training to workers that covers, at a minimum, workplace infection-control practices, the proper use of PPE, steps workers must take to notify the business or operation of any symptoms of COVID-19 or a suspected or confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19, and how to report unsafe working conditions. View a full list of guidelines for businesses to operate under.


Key Details from Last Week’s EO’s:

  • A repeal of the rule requiring non-essential medical and dental procedures to be temporarily delayed.
  • Statewide re-opening of auto showrooms will be permitted by appointment only, starting May 26.
  • Allowing retail statewide, by appointment only, stores limited to 10 customers at any one time, starting May 26.
  • Return of veterinary services.
  • Allowing gatherings of 10 people or less, as long as people continue to practice social distancing, effective immediately.
  • Businesses that re-open must adhere to safe, strict measures. Employees will have to wear PPE and adhere to social distancing.

Any store that is open for in-store sales:

  • May continue to sell goods other than necessary supplies if the sale of such goods is in the ordinary course of business.
  • Must consider establishing curbside pick-up to reduce in-store traffic and
    mitigate outdoor lines.

Rules governing face coverings.

  • Any individual able to medically tolerate a face covering must wear a covering over his or her nose and mouth—such as a homemade mask, scarf, bandana, or handkerchief—when in any enclosed public space.
  • An individual may be required to temporarily remove a face covering upon
    entering an enclosed public space for identification purposes.
  • An individual may also remove a face covering while seated at a restaurant or bar.
  • All businesses and operations whose workers perform in-person work must, at a
    minimum, provide non-medical grade face coverings to their workers.
  • Supplies of N95 masks and surgical masks should generally be reserved, for now,
    for health care professionals, first responders (e.g., police officers, firefighters,
    paramedics), and other critical workers who interact with the public.

View a full list of guidelines for businesses to operate under.


Michigan Auto Dealerships and Retail Businesses by Appointment, Nonessential Medical, Dental and Veterinary Procedures Authorized

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer Releases MI Safe Start Plan to Reengage Michigan’s Economy