Governor Whitmer loosens Michigan’s restrictions
Three days ago, Governor Whitmer announced that she will lengthen her stay-at-home order until May 15. She also announced today that starting immediately, people are allowed to golf, use motorized boats, and travel to other residences in Michigan.
On Friday, April 24, Governor Whitmer passed Executive Order 2020-59 that goes into effect immediately. In this, she extended the stay-at-home order through May 15. It also states that nonessential in-person work, “that is not necessary to sustain or protect life or to perform a resumed activity must be suspended.” This means that many jobs that aren’t deemed crucial or needed at this time will continue to be closed.
Certain jobs have been named that are now allowed to begin working again. Some include child care centers, landscapers, bike repair shops, and lawn-service companies. Michigan state parks will continue staying open as well. A new rule, that went into effect on April 26 at 11:59, requires any individual who can medically tolerate a mask to wear one “in any enclosed public space.”
Some travel restrictions have also been lifted. You are now allowed to “return to a home or place of residence from outside this state” and travel to other residences in Michigan. Travelling to vacation rentals is still prohibited.
However, the executive order is allowing outdoor, recreational activity that was before prohibited. This includes motorized boating and golfing. Golf carts are still restricted.
Saturday was the first day golf courses were officially open. Shannon Smith, Manager at Blossom Trails Golf Club recalls that before this recent change in restrictions, “It was extremely difficult.”
Last year, St. Joe experienced a record amount of rainfall. This had a negative effect on golf courses and resulted in tens of thousands of dollars in lost revenue. This year, because of the COVID-19 outbreak, golfers couldn’t start playing and golf courses couldn’t start making money until almost May.
“The financial burden of these two years back-to-back was extremely difficult,” Smith said. When the course was allowed to open back up last weekend, Smith says, “It was very refreshing to a lot of old faces that had been waiting for the course to be opened.”
On Mon, April 27, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer was interviewed by Politico. She suggested that construction and “outdoor enterprises” would be a few of the next businesses to receive loosened restrictions. She also said an altered stay-at-home order could come in the next few days.
photos by dylan marzke