MI Reopens More Business, Allows Gatherings, Elective Procedures

MICHIGAN — More facets of Michigan's economy will reopen soon, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced in a news conference Thursday morning.

Auto dealerships and retail businesses in Michigan can reopen by appointment beginning on Tuesday. Nonessential dental, medical and veterinary procedures are also able to continue starting on May 29. The governor's order also allows gatherings of 10 people or less, with social distancing, immediately.

"The data has shown that all regions of Michigan are ready for us to take this small step forward," Whitmer said. "We're doing this incrementally. As I've said on multiple occasions, this is like a dial we're turning, not a switch that we just flip."

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Michigan has reported more than 53,000 cases of the coronavirus as of Wednesday. The state is among the 10 states hit hardest by the virus in the U.S., and ranks fourth in the U.S. in deaths.

Businesses have been devastated by the extended closure in some communities, while others have opted to violate the governor's orders altogether and stay open.

Across the state, municipalities have taken action to assist small businesses during their struggles.

Related: Macomb County 'Macomb Is Open' Contest Supports Local Businesses

The governor also signed a separate order, Executive Order 2020-97, updating a prior rule on workplace safety. According to the amended order, reopened outpatient health-care facilities, including clinics, primary care physician offices and dental offices, will have to adopt strict protocols to prevent infection. The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs will issue guidance to aid those facilities in adopting appropriate safeguards.

Businesses maintaining in-person activities must adopt social distancing practices and other mitigation measures to protect workers, the governor said. They are required to provide coronavirus training to workers that covers workplace infection-control practices, the proper use of PPE, steps workers must take to notify the business or operation of any symptoms of the coronavirus or a suspected or confirmed diagnosis of the virus, and how to report unsafe working conditions.

“As businesses continue to reopen, it’s crucial that they adopt strict safety measures to protect their employees, customers, and their families,” said MDHHS Chief Deputy for Health and Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun in a statement. “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.”

Consistent with the governor’s previous Safer at Home orders, any individual able to medically tolerate a face covering are required to wear a covering over his or her nose and mouth when in any enclosed public space.

Michiganders who are not working as critical infrastructure workers or at a business that has been authorized to reopen should stay home to protect themselves and their families from the spread of the coronavirus.