LANSING, MI - Governor Gretchen Whitmer held a press conference on Monday, May 18th to discuss Michigan’s response to COVID-19, as well as to make a big announcement regarding the reopening of certain businesses in Michigan.

Yesterday Governor Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-92, which allows for the reopening of retail businesses, office work that cannot be done at home, and restaurants and bars with limited seating. However, these reopenings will only be in two regions of Michigan: MERC regions 6 and 8.

“This is a big step, but we must all remember to continue doing our part to protect ourselves and our families from the spread of COVID-19,” said Governor Whitmer. “It’s crucial that all businesses do everything in their power to protect their workers, customers, and their families. And as we approach Memorial Day weekend, I encourage everyone to be smart and be safe. My team and I will continue to work around the clock to protect the people of Michigan.”

MDHHS Chief Deputy for Health and Chief Medical Executive, Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, went on to say that these specific regions in Michigan are seeing consistent numbers when it comes to cases, deaths, and percent of tests positive for COVID-19. Though these businesses may reopen, Dr. Khaldun stressed that precautions must be taken to protect Michigan residents in order to help prevent a second wave of cases.

Region 6 in Whitmer’s MI Safe Start Plan includes the following counties: Manistee, Wexford, Missaukee, Roscommon, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Crawford, Leelanau, Antrim, Otsego, Montmorency, Alpena, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Presque Isle, and Emmet.

Region 8 in Whitmer’s MI Safe Start Plan includes the following counties: Gogebic, Ontonagon, Houghton, Keweenaw, Iron, Baraga, Dickinson, Marquette, Menominee, Delta, Alger, Schoolcraft, Luce, Mackinac, and Chippewa.

The full executive order can be found on michigan.gov.