Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Thursday extended the state's "stay home" order until May 1.
The order, originally handed down March 23, was initially in effect only through April 13.
Whitmer announced Thursday she is extending it through April 30, meaning it will expire on May 1.
The extended order is also expanded, imposing more stringent limitations on stores to reduce foot traffic, slow the spread of the coronavirus and save lives, Whitmer said.
The new order bans travel "between two residences" after Friday, meaning Michiganders will no longer be legally permitted to get in the car or even cross the street to visit friends and neighbors, unless it is covered by a few exceptions, including caring for a person or animal in need.
“Michigan has the third highest number of COVID-19 cases in the country, and we’re still on the upswing," Whitmer said. "We must continue to do everything we can to slow the spread and protect our families. Data shows that most Michiganders are doing their part by staying home and staying safe. That’s good, but we must keep it up."
A new section of the order imposes restrictions on stores in an effort to reduce crowds. Large stores must limit the number of people in the store at one time to no more than four customers for every 1,000 square feet of customer floor space. Small stores must limit capacity to 25% of the total occupancy limits, including employees, under fire codes.
Stores must establish lines with markings for patrons to enable them to stand at least 6 feet apart from one another while waiting. Large stores must also close areas of the store that are dedicated to carpeting, flooring, furniture, garden centers, plant nurseries or paint, the order says.
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Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey, R-Clarklake, called on Whitmer on Thursday to revise the order so that it can be enforced less stringently in areas of the state where the virus is not widespread.
The stay home order directs residents to stay home, except for essential purposes, and directs nonessential businesses to stop asking employees to report to work. Violators face a civil fine of up to $1,000, among other possible penalties.
https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/detroit/2020/04/09/michigan-stay-home-order-extended/2938605001/
