Takeout, delivery and outdoor dining are the only way Michigan restaurants can survive during the COVID-19 pandemic. | Norma Mortenson/Pexels
Takeout, delivery and outdoor dining are the only way Michigan restaurants can survive during the COVID-19 pandemic. | Norma Mortenson/Pexels
The epidemic order, which was placed on Nov. 18 and had been set to expire Dec. 8, has been extended by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) an additional 12 days.
“Hope is on the horizon, but we need an additional 12 days to determine the full impact of the Thanksgiving holiday on our efforts to mitigate the spread of the virus,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in a press release, Michigan Capitol Confidential reported.
The epidemic order has closed down restaurants and bars throughout Michigan to in-person dining, in addition to limiting public and private social gatherings in the state. As a result of the lockdowns, Michigan has seen the highest number of business closures throughout the nation, according to Michigan Capitol Confidential.
A U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics survey showed that Michigan had the most private sector businesses closed at a rate of 32%.
With the extension, the epidemic order is now in effect through at least Sunday, Dec. 20.
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