Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s stay-at-home order, originally issued March 24, 2020, was extended until April 30. The order was originally intended to expire April 13.
Violators are subject to fines up to $1,000, increased from the original maximum of $500 and jail sentences up to 90 days via a misdemeanor charge. Businesses that defy the order will be subject to penalties determined by their licensing agencies.
The update also increased restrictions on retail sites. Large department stores are now required to limit customers to four persons per 1,000 square feet of floor space. Smaller stores must limit shoppers to 25% of previously stated building capacities. While most retail spaces are being further restricted, car dealers will be able to increase operations as this update allows for remote sales to be negotiated and completed, although showrooms will remain shuttered.
The order, passed by both the Michigan House of Representatives and State Senate, is designed to slow the spread of COVID-19 through Michigan, which has resulted in over 1,000 deaths to Michigan residents since March 18.
Over 20,000 patients have been diagnosed with COVID-19 as of April 8. Only two other states, New York and New Jersey, have reported over 20,000 cases. Health officials have reinforced that data may be misleading due to limited testing
This extension is a shortened version of Whitmer’s original extension plan, which would have extended 70 days, to June 22.
The original order, Executive Order No. 2020-21 closed businesses classified as non-essential to sustain or protect life, cancelled public and private gatherings, and recommended social distancing of at least six feet among individuals who do not share a household.
Businesses were required to determine which employees were critical to operations and to accommodate working conditions to allow proper social distancing, with working from home encourage wherever possible. Certain industries such as healthcare, food and agriculture, transportation and law enforcement were exempted from the order and considered essential.
Churches and religious organizations are exempt, a decision that has been criticized. Whitmer indicated that churches were exempted largely out of respect for the separation of church and state. Despite the exemption, many churches have made unique accommodations such as livestreaming masses and worship sessions, and offering key religious services such as communion or confession via drive-through.
Michigan’s orders remain consistent with most U.S. States as COVID-19 cases continue to rise nationwide. Only seven states, North Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Arkansas, Utah, Wyoming and South Carolina have declined to issue a stay-at-home order or similar statewide policy as of April 7. Utah, Wyoming and South Carolina have issued official recommendations that citizens should remain home when possible, but declined to issue a mandate or declare the potential for legal penalties.
Whitmer first issued a State of Emergency relating to COVID-19 the first week of March and has since published more than 30 additional executive orders, five of which have been since rescinded. Her leadership in a state with a particularly high number of cases has garnered her significant national attention, including being touted as a potential running mate and Vice-Presidential candidate to presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden.
A portion of that attention has been linked to a Twitter feud with President Donald Trump, who dismissively referred to her as “the woman in Michigan” in a comment, explaining he had instructed Vice President Mike Pence not to call Whitmer.
Doug Sears, Jr. is a writer, columnist, and podcast host for Watershed Voice.
