New Revisions to Gov. Whitmer’s Executive Order, First Steps to Responsibly Restarting Economy

April 24, 2020

Statement from Sandy K. Baruah, president and CEO of the Detroit Regional Chamber.

“The revisions to the “Stay at Home” order brought forth by Gov. Whitmer today began the process of responsibly restarting Michigan’s economy. COVID-19 has created a dual-threat to Michigan – a public health crisis coupled with an economic crisis – and the original “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order has initially flattened the curve and positions Michigan to reactivate its economy. This is good news for some of the hundreds of thousands of Michiganders struggling economically. The Chamber will work diligently with Gov. Whitmer and the Legislature to execute a smart and successful re-opening as we all adapt to the new normal.”

Today, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed executive order 2020-59, extending her “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order through May 15. The revisions Gov. Whitmer put forth today propose an early step to begin the thoughtful process to safely re-open our economy. These early actions by the governor are reasonable steps and respond to the concerns expressed by many, including the Detroit Regional Chamber. The Chamber appreciates the governor and her staff being open to the counsel of the Chamber.

While these are positive steps, we recognize that these actions were enabled by the continuing success of the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order in mitigating the spread of COVID-19 and the beginning of flattening the curve.

The Chamber and the businesses we represent, recognize that reopening our economy will not be like flipping a switch and that business has an important role to play in adapting practices to continue to ensure Michigan continues to manage the global pandemic’s impact on our citizens and businesses.

The revisions to the new Executive Order include:

1. Allow some workers who perform previously suspended activities to go back on the job.
   • Landscapers, lawn-service companies, and nurseries can return to work, subject to strict social distancing.
   • Retailers that do not sell necessary supplies may reopen for curbside pick-up and for delivery.
   • Big box stores can reopen “closed areas,” like garden centers and paint areas.
   • Bike repair and maintenance can come back online.
2. Requires people to wear homemade, non-medical grade face coverings when they enter enclosed public spaces. It will also require employers to provide at least cloth face coverings to their employees.​​​​​​
3. Eases up on some restrictions on members of the public.
   • It will, for example, allow motorized boating and golf (but no golf carts), consistent with sound social distancing.
   • It will also permit individuals to travel between their residences, though such travel during the epidemic is strongly discouraged.
   • It will clarify that state parks remain open, as they have been throughout the emergency.

View the full Executive Order.

Related:

Gov. Whitmer: Temporary Safety Measures for Food-Selling Establishments and Pharmacies