Masks in public spaces required, other restrictions lifted in Whitmer’s latest orders

LANSING — Governor Gretchen Whitmer held a press conference Friday, where she issued some new restrictions, while lifting others.

First and foremost, the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order has been extended until May 15th.

It is now required for people to wear cloth masks while in an enclosed public space, including businesses that are still open and grocery stores. These masks can be a scarf, bandanna, or handkerchief; N–95 medical masks should be reserved for healthcare workers, first responders, and other critical workers. Whitmer said there are no charges associated with not wearing a mask, although businesses may refuse service to those not wearing a mask. This goes into effect 11:59 p.m. Sunday, April 26th.

Governor Whitmer also eased some restrictions, including one partially reintroducing some workers into the workforce.

“The new executive order will now allow some workers to perform lower-risk activities to go back on the job,” said Governor Whitmer in a press conference held earlier Friday. “We will consider this the preliminary stage of economic reengagement. We will measure, we will collect data, we will continue to ramp up our testing, our tracing, and we will make informed decisions in the coming days about potential further economic reengagement.”

Other changes include:

• Travel to and from Michigan residences, including moving, is allowed
• Short-term and vacation rentals (AirBnB) are prohibited, unless it’s used to house health care workers
• Boating is allowed once again, both motorized and non-motorized, as long as boaters stay at least 6 feet away from people they don’t live with
• Large stores may sell items such as carpeting, furniture and paint once again
• State parks remain open for day use, although they are subject to closure if social distancing protocol isn’t followed
• Workers at nurseries, pest control centers, landscaping businesses and lawn care may return to work, as long as social distancing guidelines are followed
• Bicycle repair shops may reopen
• Movers and storage workers may return to work
• Golf courses are allowed to reopen, as long as social distancing guidelines are followed. Golf carts are prohibited
• Travel to and from addiction recovery meetings is allowed, as long as said meetings don’t exceed 10 people
• Necessary groundskeepers and maintenance workers vital to the sanitation and safety of places of outdoor recreation may return to work

Stay with ABC 10 as we continue to follow Governor Whitmer’s executive orders as they are made.