‘Some job providers should be allowed to begin to reopen’
LANSING, Mich. — Sen. Jim Runestad on Thursday said Gov. Whitmer should revise her strict stay-at-home order.
“Michiganders have made enormous sacrifices in the last three weeks to shelter in place and slow the spread of a virus that has threatened our most vulnerable citizens,” said Runestad, R-White Lake. “But that sacrifice has not been shared equally. Some businesses are thriving while others are on the brink of collapse. We cannot continue to do what we’ve been doing without creating a blueprint to help restore normal life for Michiganders.
“The best plan is not a one-size-fits-all approach. We should trust Michiganders to rise to the challenge and adapt their retail operations, delivery systems and on-site work environments to this new norm of social distancing and enhanced cleanliness standards.”
On Thursday, the governor issued Executive Order 2020-42, extending Stay Home, Stay Safe through April 30. In her order, she offered new guidance to both large and small retailers on how to implement social distancing practices.
She also referenced the older definitions of critical infrastructure workers provided by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and not the revised guidance allowing outdoor landscaping work to continue.
“I am particularly frustrated by the lack of flexibility when it comes to outdoor operations around our homes,” Runestad said. “Several lawn care workers are solo operations and do not need to have any contact with their customers. These are the kinds of businesses that cannot afford to shut down for another three weeks.”
Many lawmakers, including Runestad, were hoping the governor would make some concessions to aid an economy that is reeling.