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Gov. Whitmer extends executive order temporarily closing theaters, bars and limiting restaurants

Posted at 10:34 PM, Apr 30, 2020
and last updated 2020-04-30 23:52:05-04

(WXYZ) — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-69, which extends her previous order to temporarily closes public spaces such as theaters, bars and casinos, while also limiting restaurants to only carry-out and delivery orders.

Additionally, restaurants are not restricted from offering food and beverage delivery by window, walk-up, drive-through or drive-up services. This is in an effort to continue social distancing amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Restaurants are allowed five people inside at a time for pick-up orders, but people must maintain a 6-feet apart distance from one another.

The order states that the above guidelines do not apply to these locations: office buildings, grocery stores, markets, food pantries, pharmacies, drug stores, and providers of medical equipment and supplies, health care facilities, residential care facilities, congregate care facilities, and juvenile justice facilities, warehouse and distribution centers, and industrial and manufacturing facilities.

The extension of the order comes after Gov. Whitmer Thursday evening that the state of emergency would be extended through May 28.

The Michigan Legislature voted Thursday to authorize a lawsuit challenging Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's authority and actions to combat the pandemic.

"We appreciate that the legislature attempted to take decisive action today to provide a clear pathway for restaurants to reopen," the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association President & CEO Justin Winslow said in response to the GOP-led Legislature. "This industry needs clarity and direction as it struggles to persist in trying times. We commend the governor for already leading with clear guidance on workplace and employee safety, and make no mistake, restaurants across this state stand ready to meet these new requirements. We are committed above all else to creating an environment conducive to the safe return of the general public to their favorite restaurant. For many restaurants, however, if that date isn’t known soon, they may not be there at all."

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