Lansing Sun

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is presenting conflicting restrictions in her new executive order, according to a report from Michigan Capitol Confidential.

The executive order was issued July 29 as an “Amended Safe Start Order.” Under the new order, group gatherings will be limited in capacity. 

“This executive order therefore prohibits any indoor social gatherings of more than 10 people statewide,” the order states. All bars, including those in the Traverse City regions and the Upper Peninsula, are also closed at this time, Whitmer wrote. “For the time being, Michiganders must curtail their social gatherings for the good of the community,” the order states. 

All bars across the state of Michigan will be closed under the latest executive order. | stock photo

While the opportunity to gather in groups and bars is prohibited, Whitmer decided to allow for Detroit’s casinos to reopen at a 15% capacity. 

Casino taxes have historically provided 17% of Detroit’s general fund revenue, according to Michigan Capitol Confidential. Due to the onset of COVID-19, those funds have been expected to decrease by 27%. 

In addition to the changes to casino operations and small gatherings, Whitmer’s order also stated that any work that can be completed remotely must be done in this fashion. Workplace safety measures must be enacted in any situation in which employees must leave their home or place of residence. 

Individual responsibility to maintain social distance and wear a mask is included in the order. 

Whitmer’s order listed that indoor theaters, cinemas and performance venues -- as well as gyms, fitness centers, recreation centers and services or facilities that require the contact of people -- are prohibited and closed until further notice. 

Religious worship, however, is not subject to penalties, if a church chooses to hold services. 

Whitmer wrote that she will consider a number of factors before reopening, including the following: “Data on COVID-19 infections and the disease’s rate of spread; whether sufficient medical personnel, hospital beds and ventilators exist to meet anticipated medical need; the availability of personal protective equipment for the health care workforce; the state’s capacity to test for COVID-19 cases and isolate infected people; and economic conditions in the state,” according to Executive Order 2020-160.