Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Sunday announced a new series of limitations on indoor gatherings and other activities that will last for three weeks starting Wednesday. The order which runs through Dec. 9 will also close schools, shutter indoor dining at bars and restaurants and mandate people work from home unless it’s impossible to do so. The order targets indoor social gatherings that health officials say contribute to the spread of COVID-19.
The recent explosion in number of COVID-19 cases across the state required a stay-at-home order to mitigate the continued spread of the virus, Whitmer said. But the new orders do allow certain activities, including individual exercise classes, salons and barbershops, kindergarten through 8th grade in-person instruction and professional or college sports without spectators.
The new orders quickly drew criticism Sunday night. Laura Cox, chairperson of the Michigan Republican Party, decried Whitmer's announcement for failing to include the Legislature in her decision, and portended further economic hardship for businesses because of the orders.
"Instead of working with our elected representatives at the state and local level, she is trying a one-size-fits-all approach that will only exacerbate the issues our state and its economy are facing," Cox said in a statement. "Small businesses, particularly restaurants, cannot sustain themselves through another lock-down, and these new orders will certainly spell doom for the livelihood of many."
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