LANSING, Mich. — Executive Order 2020-70 was signed Friday by Governor Whitmer and outlines how some industries can re-open.
"This work is permitted to resume on May 7, 2020, and includes construction, real-estate activities, and work that is traditionally and primarily performed outdoors." The order reads. EO 2020-70 ends Executive Order 2020-59 and expands many of the permissions it describes.
The order requires construction crews to designate one site supervisor to monitor and enforce COVID-19 control and protection. Companies must create strategies to ensure employees and clients are protected from COVID-19 including screening all employees, providing clearly marked entries or other systems of determining all employees have been screened before starting work each day, and maintaining hand-washing or sanitizing stations at work sites. Employers must determine areas where social distancing may not always be possible like hallways, elevators, break rooms, or transportation.
In EO 2020-70, the Governor still maintains the need for social distancing, heightened cleaning, and personal hygiene measures. Face covering requirements detailed in EO 2020-59 are still in effect under this most recent order.
“The data shows that we’re ready to lift some of these restrictions while also encouraging Michiganders to continue doing their part under the governor’s Stay Home, Stay Safe order,” said MDHHS Chief Deputy for Health and Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun. “The steps the governor is taking today will help ensure protections for workers and their families from COVID-19 while allowing for work in lower-risk fields to resume. We will keep monitoring the data closely and work with our partners across state government to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.”
The Stay Home, Stay Safe order will stay in effect until May 15th, meaning only travel to and from work or for life-sustaining activities are permitted.
“The vast majority of Michiganders are still doing their part to protect themselves and their families from COVID-19. That’s good, but we must keep it up,” said Governor Whitmer. “As part of our MI Safe Start Plan, we are bringing business and labor leaders together to ensure that while we lift some restrictions on the previous Stay Home, Stay Safe order, we are also protecting workers and their families from the spread of this virus. I want to be clear: we must all continue to stay home and stay safe as much as possible. If we all keep doing our part, we can reduce the risk of a second wave and re-engage our economy safely and responsibly.”
Businesses and industries able to resume operation can be found in section 10, but it is important to read the entire order to understand your rights and responsibilities as the state begins its rebound.
