Gov. Whitmer opened Detroit’s casinos and can’t explain why small and family-run businesses aren’t able to also be given a fair shot at reopening safely.
August 25, 2020
Gov. Whitmer Still Has No Plan For Shuttered Small And Family-Run Businesses
Governor Gretchen Whitmer once again gave no timeline or plan for when small and family-run businesses still shuttered by executive orders could reopen. At today’s press conference, she was asked about the MDHHS review of shuttered businesses and whether or not they would be able to open. Whitmer responded by saying she wouldn’t be bullied into allowing those businesses to reopen.
During a follow-up question, Whitmer was asked if gyms or bowling alleys in northern Michigan – where they are allowed to be open – are contributing to outbreaks, and she didn’t have an answer. Whitmer has allowed Detroit’s casinos to reopen but hasn’t given the green light to smaller businesses like gyms, theaters, and bowling alleys.
The state’s own data on outbreaks, which was released for the first time today, shows that the leading cause of outbreaks is still nursing homes and long-term care facilities.
Gov. Whitmer opened Detroit’s casinos and can’t explain why small and family-run businesses aren’t able to also be given a fair shot at reopening safely. The state’s own data shows that nursing homes remain the leading cause of outbreaks for COVID-19 in Michigan. Whitmer needs to be focused on providing solutions for nursing homes and reopening small businesses. – Tori Sachs, executive director of Michigan Rising Action