Gov. Whitmer Extends Stay Home Order Until May 15th, Allows Some Businesses to Open

The new executive order will keep social distancing measures in place but allow low-risk businesses like landscapers, bike shops and plant nurseries to open.

Whitmer Stay at Home presser

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has extended her “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order through May 15.

But she’s allowing for the opening of some businesses, like landscapers, plant nurseries and bike repair shops – as long as proper social distancing measures are used. Whitmer says she’s willing to listen to other business to see if they’re able to open as well.

“We welcome input from the private sector to measures they would acknowledge make their workplaces safer.”

“We welcome input from the private sector to measures they would acknowledge make their workplaces safer,” Whitmer said. “I’d love to have policy that reflects those best practices and we welcome that.”

Whitmer is also lifting restrictions on golf and motor boating – provided social distancing guidelines are followed.

But the governor had harsh words for leaders of Michigan’s Republican-controlled legislature who called a session specifically to limit her executive powers.

“I think they should be focused on making sure people who lost their jobs have access to health care if they’re doing anything together,” Whitmer said. “I think that they should be focused on paid sick leave if they are determined to congregate in Lansing. That would be a wonderful use of their energy.”

Whitmer said she would veto any bill that limited the powers of a governor in an emergency.

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Author

  • Russ McNamara is a reporter for the Michigan Public Radio Network. Prior to this role, he was the host of All Things Considered for 101.9 WDET. McNamara has been working in radio since he was 17 - and in news since 2012. He also worked as play-by-play announcer for Wayne State University basketball for seven years. Born in the Upper Peninsula, McNamara is a lifelong Michigander. He is a 2002 graduate of Central Michigan University’s Broadcast and Cinematic Arts Program. He is an amateur photographer, enjoys going to concerts and traveling with his wife, Sara.