MI governor issues stay-at-home EO, closes nonessential businesses

On March 23, 2020, Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued Executive Order (EO) 2020-21, titled Stay Safe, Stay Home, ordering Michigan residents to temporarily "suspend activities that are not necessary to sustain or protect life." The order, to be "construed broadly," prohibits any nonessential in-person work effective March 24 at 12:01 a.m.

Details of the EO

Besides restricting certain in-person work, the order prohibits Michigan residents from gathering with individuals who aren't members of their household. Michigan residents may leave their home or place of residence to perform tasks related to health and safety (e.g., picking up medication and seeking medical care to address a medical emergency) and obtain supplies for themselves and family members.

Some additional exceptions are outlined, including outdoor activities and caring for family members and their pets. However, when in public, Michigan residents must remain at least six feet from people outside their household to the extent feasible.

Certain work is allowed

While the order discourages in-person work, Section 7 specifically allows for individuals to leave their homes to "perform their jobs as critical infrastructure workers after being so designated by their employers." It explains that critical infrastructure workers are described in the March 19, 2020, guidance provided by the director of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) addressing the COVID-19 response. Although the order lists examples of workers in each sector considered critical, the CISA guidance goes into greater detail.