Michigan residents have been ordered to stay at home unless they are critical infrastructure workers.
“Individuals must secure such services or supplies via delivery to the maximum extent possible,” the new order says. “As needed, however, individuals may leave the home or place of residence to purchase groceries, take-out food, gasoline, needed medical supplies, and any other products necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation and basic operation of their residences.”
Critical infrastructure workers are defined as those in the fields of health care, law enforcement, public safety, food and agriculture, energy, water and wastewater, transportation, communications, other community-based government operations, critical manufacturing, hazardous materials, financial services, chemical supply chains and defense industrial base.
The order also exempts child care workers, those employed by “designated suppliers and distribution centers,” workers in the insurance industry and those who “perform critical labor union functions.”
As of Monday morning, Michigan has reported 1,232 positive cases of COVID-19 and 15 deaths, ranking in the top five in the nation in number of cases. Of Michigan’s 10 million residents, 70% of them could be at risk of contracting the virus if the current trajectory remained unchecked.
President and CEO of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce Richard Studley appeared supportive of the governor’s order, calling it measured and thoughtful. On Saturday, Studley was arguing against a structured lockdown, but admitted the situation has been changing hourly and added, “It’s very clear that the governor is focused both on public health and our state’s economic health. We will be urging our members to quickly and promptly comply with the order that is being issued later this morning.”
See the Detroit News.