In Michigan, indoor dining in restaurants is currently not allowed due to the high risk of expsoure to COVID-19. | FreeImages - Peter Galbraith
In Michigan, indoor dining in restaurants is currently not allowed due to the high risk of expsoure to COVID-19. | FreeImages - Peter Galbraith
As COVID-19 once again spikes throughout the nation, state legislators continue to grapple with implementing measures to prevent further virus spread and death.
In Michigan, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and her fellow legislators have continued to be at odds with one another in how best to address the pandemic and the difficulties it presents, according to Michigan Capitol Confidential. On Oct. 2, the Michigan Supreme Court repealed Whitmer’s emergency authority to issue COVID-19-related executive orders.
On Nov. 18, however, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) renewed pandemic lockdown measures, particularly concerning restaurants and retail establishments, to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
In a Nov. 19 statement, Whitmer emphasized the importance of collective responsibility: “We flattened the curve in the spring by listening to our public health and medical experts. We can do this again. You have the power to help us push this curve down. Every one of us has the power to make choices that will contribute to that. It’s going to take all of us working together,” she said, according to Michigan Capitol Confidential.
Critics of these measures argue that the situation within Michigan is comparable to nationwide averages and rates in other countries, so the mandates are either excessive or unwarranted. However, Michigan currently ranks eighth in the U.S. for the most COVID-19 cases, as well as in the top ten for most deaths per million in the state. The combination of the high total cases and the markedly high death rate paints a somber picture for Michiganders heading into the December holidays.
The Michigan Supreme Court is set to hear cases relating to the new restrictions for restaurants and bars on Thursday, Dec. 17, where the balancing act between local businesses and public health officials will continue. Restaurants are facing significant economic stress from lockdown measures, but indoor dining has also been targeted as one of the highest-risk activities in contracting COVID-19.
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