LANSING, Mich. (WXYZ) — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is expected to allow residential and commercial construction crews back to work on May 7 as part of her plan to re-start the Michigan economy during the coronavirus pandemic.
Whitmer said Monday she would soon allow construction to re-start in Michigan if coronavirus hospitalizations continue to drop and testing rises.
“I would anticipate in the coming days if our trajectory of hospitalizations continues to go down and our ability to test continues to go up that we will go into the next low-risk category,” she said. “That might include some construction, for instance. That might include some additional outdoor enterprises.”
On Friday, Whitmer extended and loosened what she said was among the country’s strictest stay-at-home orders, letting businesses such as lawn care companies re-open and people with multiple homes travel between them. The measure is in effect through May 15.
Starting Monday, people had to wear a face covering in enclosed public spaces, such as grocery stores. All businesses and operations with in-person workers were required to give them a non-medical grade mask.
In an interview with 7 Action News, Whitmer noted that officials are going to have to measure every step of the way in order to re-open sectors of the economy.
"As we re-engage a sector of our economy, we've got to watch and make sure we don't have another increase in cases," she said.
She said the state cannot put a hard timeline on re-opening the economy.