Michigan opens retail, bars, and restaurants in the Upper Peninsula and Traverse City

Bars, restaurants, and retailers have been tremendously affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting government-mandated limits. On Monday, May 18, however, Michigan took its first major step towards reopening when Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Orders (EOs) 2020-91 and 2020-92.

Details

EO 2020-92 provides that retail businesses, office work that cannot be done remotely, and restaurants and bars located in MERC Regions 6 or 8 may reopen for business. The partial reopening will take effect on Friday, May 22, just in time for Memorial Day weekend. However, Governor Whitmer has stated that cities, villages, and townships may choose to take a more cautious course, if they wish.

Region 6 includes Manistee, Wexford, Missaukee, Roscommon, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Crawford, Leelanau, Antrim, Otsego, Montmorency, Alpena, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Presque Isle, and Emmet counties.

Region 8 includes Gogebic, Ontonagon, Houghton, Keweenaw, Iron, Baraga, Dickinson, Marquette, Menominee, Delta, Alger, Schoolcraft, Luce, Mackinac, and Chippewa counties.

Importantly, all business that will reopen in Regions 6 and 8 must adopt and adhere to robust safety measures outlined in EO 2020-91. Among the directives to employers are: