By Michael Piwowarski
Cell phones across the state gave a resounding emergency alert tone on Thursday, April 9 and on Friday, April 24 when Governor Gretchen Whitmer extended Michigan’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” executive order.
Current restrictions were extended from April 13 until May 1 the first time, and now they will continue until May 15, meaning that we all have at least a few more weeks of social distancing ahead of us. However, there are more restrictions in place.
The first time, large stores were ordered to limit the amount of people that can be inside at a time to a maximum of four people per 1,000 square feet. Smaller stores were ordered to limit indoor capacity to 25% of total occupancy limits (according to fire code).
Sections of stores that are dedicated to selling carpeting, flooring, furniture, garden centers, plant nurseries and paint were ordered to be closed off, as another measure to limit the number of people inside. This order was lifted in the April 24 extension.
As of the second extension, individuals are now required to wear face masks when going into enclosed public spaces that are open. Face masks are not required for outdoor spaces.
Stores like Kohl’s, Home Depot, Target and Walmart offer delivery and curbside pickup if you want to shop safely, or if you want a “non-essential” item. Money.com has more information on that.
Travel in between residences is not prohibited thanks to the April 24 revisions. However, it’s strongly discouraged, so if you’re thinking of going to that cabin in the UP, do so at your own peril. Also there’s still no visiting Grandma or having get-togethers with friends, but you can still provide care for friends and family if they need it (i.e. health and wellness).
If you’re looking for a way to clear your head, outdoor recreation is still allowed. You can go for a bike ride, go jogging or sail away on your kayak.
Governor Whitmer had also prohibited the use of motorboats, jet skis or similar watercraft for the duration of the extended stay-at-home order on April 9, with non-motorized boating still allowed. This restriction was also culled on April 24.
Golfing is also allowed now, as well. However, motorized golf carts are prohibited for the time being.
So, what can be open?
As detailed in Whitmer’s revised executive order, the following counts as “essential” businesses and retail stores that can stay open, provided that they follow new guidelines on enforcing social distancing and restricting sale of certain items:
- Grocery stores
- Convenience stores
- Pharmacies
- Automotive stores
- Car dealerships (showrooms must be closed to the public for the duration of the order)
- Pet supply stores
- Hardware stores
- Appliance stores
- Laundromats and dry cleaners
- Hotels and motels (gyms, pools, spas, dining, entertainment facilities and meeting rooms must be closed for the duration of the order)
- Insurance offices (with as much work being done remotely as possible)
- Non-profit organizations that offer food and shelter for the economically disadvantaged
- Suppliers, distribution centers and service providers
“Non-essential” retailers can still offer curbside pickup and delivery services while keeping their stores closed to the public. Barnes & Noble in Midland, for instance, is doing curbside pickup. You also might want to check back on our write-up on the Electric Kitsch to see what they’re doing to get by.
Related article: The corona-pocalypse: what you can/can’t do and who is/isn’t “essential”
