A group of four friends golfing would technically violate Michigan's COVID-19 health orders, unless some of the golfers lived in the same household. | stock photo
A group of four friends golfing would technically violate Michigan's COVID-19 health orders, unless some of the golfers lived in the same household. | stock photo
The toll COVID-19 has taken on the state of Michigan over the course of the past ten months would be described as "severe" by some residents.
For almost a year, Michigan has lived under varying degrees of lockdown that place well-intentioned residents at risk of breaking the law, under rules that may seem necessary to some but arbitrary to others.
Whitmer recently made a point to announce that, in fact, Michigan's economy has not been closed since last spring, a statement many Michigan residents don't agree with. The governor has taken steps to regulate different aspects of residents' social lives amid the COVID-19 pandemic, promoting the very perception that the economy is closed.
Whitmer’s health restrictions have put citizens are risk for potentially falling on the wrong side of the law and facing real consequences. With the installment of emergency powers, the state's fine went from $200 to $1,000 for violating those restrictions. Many Michiganders take issue with the governor putting herself in the position of deciding independently what should be prohibited and what she will allow.
Michigan Capitol Confidential reported on the epidemic orders that have been issued, including a maximum of 10 people from no more than two households being allowed at an indoor function. Also, no more than 25 people from three different households are allowed at outdoor events. For example, if a group of four friends wanted to play golf together, that would not be allowed under current restrictions, unless two of the players were from the same household.
Whitmer's rules prohibit gatherings at entertainment and recreational facilities, unless they follow social-distancing standards. She also allowed schools to reopen, along with restaurants, barbershops, churches and child care facilities.
Michael Van Beek, writing an op-ed for Michigan Capitol Confidential, reported that the prohibition cannot be fully enforced, even with the full weight of the county and local government behind it. He feels that the COVID-19 restrictions are almost impossible for citizens to strictly adhere to, even if they are trying to do the right thing.
Van Beek takes issue most with the governor's approach. While exhorting public responsibility, Whitmer tries to convince Michigan residents that they must do their part, suggesting public compliance with state guidance is the answer to the pandemic. However, her actions fail to match her words, making it hard to believe when the Whitmer suggests that the state's economy was never really closed.
Alerts Sign-up