[ad_1]
It is too early to say whether or not Michigan’s partial shutdown of some entertainment venues, in-person learning at high schools and colleges, and dining in restaurants will be extended beyond December 8 or not. Governor Gretchen Whitmer said on a Tuesday December 1. press conference.
Whitmer was peppered with questions on Tuesday about the three-week “hiatus” that began on Nov. 18, and what it will take for state officials to vote against an extension.
“At this point, it’s really too early to say precisely where we’ll be in a few days, let alone next week,” Whitmer said. “But I think it’s important for people to know, we haven’t predetermined anything.”
A look at the November numbers in Michigan’s coronavirus outbreak: How things went from bad to worse
While Whitmer no longer has the power to issue orders, state law allows Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Director Robert Gordon to “prohibit the gathering of people” and ” establish procedures ”during an outbreak, on behalf of public health.
This three-week partial shutdown comes from Gordon – who was not part of Tuesday’s press conference.
Two of the main data points state officials are considering are the percentage of COVID-19 tests that come back positive and the amount of bed space and capacity in hospitals.
Michigan had 4,289 people hospitalized as of Tuesday who are confirmed or suspected of having COVID-19. This has increased since Nov. 18 – when the shutdown began – when 3,792 people were hospitalized.
Of those hospitalized on November 18, 809 were in intensive care and 396 were on ventilators. As of Tuesday, there were 874 COVID-related cases in the intensive care unit and 526 people on ventilators.
On November 18, 12.55% of tests in Michigan came back positive. On Monday, 14.72% returned positive, the highest since April.
“I predict that early next week we’ll have a much better idea of what this hiatus has meant (and) if people took it seriously and did their part,” Whitmer said. “If everyone does their part, we’ll see those numbers go down.”
The Whitmer team is fighting restrictions – especially on indoor dining in restaurants – on several fronts. The Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association took the case to federal court. A judge refused to immediately lift the ban two weeks ago, but is reconsidering the merits after a hearing on Monday.
In addition, a handful of restaurants have reopened in defiance of order. Michigan suspended three liquor licenses and issued more fines, in response.
The owners of Andiamo restaurants in the Detroit subway are assembling a coalition of restaurant owners to oppose the ban and reopen on December 9, whether the order is extended or not. Whitmer was asked about it on Tuesday.
“I don’t want (restaurateurs) to have to make difficult and horrible decisions that could endanger their staff and customers,” Whitmer said.
This is why Whitmer has said she is pushing for the Legislature to approve a $ 100 million relief bill to help restaurants and other businesses weather the pandemic. She has also repeatedly urged Congress to provide federal funds to help her.
“I would discourage people from willfully breaking the law – always, whatever the law, on any subject, I would strongly discourage that,” Whitmer said. “But I think right now we need to give ourselves a little empathy and a little grace and recognize the gravity of this situation.”
Restaurants were targeted by the latest order because they tick the main boxes for increased risk – being indoors, gathering multiple households for a long time without a mask. Even at 10% capacity, there is a risk due to the number of households coming together, Whitmer said.
As COVID fatigue sets in, Whitmer urges people to continue to follow precautions. The light at the end of the tunnel – the vaccine – is approaching and people must keep the destruction of COVID in perspective, she said.
More than 9,300 Michiganders have died from COVID-19 since March.
“When September 11 happened, the whole world stopped. We helped each other. We have seen humanity in each other and stepped in to do our part, ”Whitmer said. “We have forever changed the way we live and travel, because that’s how we protect each other. We have had over three 9/11s here in Michigan in the past 10 months. They are devastated families.
RELATED STORIES
‘Please don’t travel’ for Christmas, Governor Whitmer tells Michiganders
Michigan restaurant ban ‘unconstitutional’, say restaurants in Federal Court hearing
State suspends liquor licenses, fines restaurants that violate coronavirus restrictions
Michigan’s 3-week partial shutdown begins, but some fear it will go until 2021
Michigan nears 100 coronavirus deaths per day as pandemic escalates
“It’s a question of survival. Hillsdale County restaurant remains open despite state ban
[ad_2]
Source link