Whitmer responds to Michigan restaurants considering defying state order and reopening for indoor dining

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer responded Tuesday to restaurateurs who plan to challenge Status of COVID-19 regulations and reopening for indoor meals if the order is extended beyond three weeks.

Monday, Andiamo’s owner wrote a letter Urge restaurants to unify and reopen if Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services extend the ban on indoor dining beyond the original December 8 expiration date.

Click here to read the full letter.

“We must unite and fight against this closure,” Vicari wrote. “Our industry cannot survive another shutdown in the long term. We are stronger if we stand united and use our force to respond. “

“She has decided to close restaurants again. Shopping centers are full of vacation shops, hair salons and gyms may remain open, but our restaurants are closed.

RELATED: Here are 14 changes in effect under Michigan’s new COVID-19 restrictions

On Tuesday, Whitmer was asked about restaurant owners who spoke of defying the order of the state.

Here’s what she said in response to the question:

“You know, let me just say this: I understand the frustration. I understand the fear. None of these decisions that have had to be made in the past 10 months have been easy. Each of them weighed heavily on me, on all of us.

“And yet we know that this virus has claimed the lives of more than 9,000 people in Michigan. When September 11 happened, the whole world stopped. We helped each other. We have seen humanity in each other and we have done our part. We have forever changed the way we live and travel, because this is how we protect each other.

“We’ve had more than three 9-11s here in Michigan over the past 10 months. They are devastated families. Many of us know someone who has died or is struggling with COVID-19 or is battling COVID-19 months after having had it. It is still a very real threat to all of us.

“I want these restaurants to be successful. I want to do everything in my power to help them get through these difficult times. That is why I have asked our legislature to pass this $ 100 million plan. This is why I have asked our federal government to take action, but since it is not, I hope our legislature will work with me on this to relieve these restaurants.

“I don’t want them to have to make tough and horrible decisions that could put their workforce and their clients at risk because I want them to be successful and I know they need help, and I try to provide them with this help.

“I would discourage people from willfully breaking the law, always – regardless of the law on any subject. I would strongly discourage this. But I think right now you have to give yourself a little empathy and a little grace and recognize the gravity of the situation.. “