Up North Progressive

Governor Gretchen Whitmer eased restrictions on some businesses in Northern Michigan today when she signed Executive Order 2020-92. Offices, bars, and restaurants may open on May 22, 2020, provided they follow the Michigan Safe Start Plan guidelines.

Two Michigan regions may begin reopening offices for work that can’t be done remotely, bars, and restaurants with restricted seating. Those regions are MERC 6 and 8. Local authorities may impose other restrictions, such as limiting dine-in to outdoor seating. Governor Whitmer emphasized that businesses must do everything possible to keep employees and customers safe:

“This is a big step, but we must all remember to continue doing our part to protect ourselves and our families from the spread of COVID-19. It’s crucial that all businesses do everything in their power to protect their workers, customers, and their families. And as we approach Memorial Day weekend, I encourage everyone to be smart and be safe. My team and I will continue to work around the clock to protect the people of Michigan.”

People who choose to take their business to these places need to continue maintaining safe distancing of 6 feet from others, wearing a mask, and washing their hands often.

Businesses in Regions 6 and 8 must follow the safety measures provided in Executive Order 2020-91. COVID-19 training must be provided to all employees, included the proper way to use personal protection equipment, and precautions that limit the spread of infection. Restaurants and bars may only seat 50 percent of their maximum occupancy, maintain 6 feet distance between diners, and require servers to wear face masks at all times.

The mayors of Marquette and Traverse City. Jenna Smith and Jim Carruthers, made statements of support to Governor Whitmer for her Executive Order.

The counties included in Region 6 are Alpena, Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Missaukee, Montmorency, Presque Isle, Roscommon, and Wexford. Region 8 includes the entire Upper Peninsula.

Will you patronize your favorite local eating establishment or bar in the near future? Leave a comment below.