LANSING (WXYZ) — The Michigan Senate Republican caucus released Thursday its plan to reopen the state amid the coronavirus pandemic. The "Open Michigan Safely" proposal is structured in phases.
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“The Senate Republican caucus believes it is our responsibility to propose a framework for Michiganders to live life in the presence of COVID-19, safely,” said Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey, R-Clarklake.
The proposed plan considers phases of transition, geographic differentiation and resurgence, according to a release.
Shirkey says Phase 1 of the proposal is different from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's current orders because it adopts "commonsense revisions."
“Michigan remains an outlier amongst states with strict stay-at-home orders,” Shirkey said. "Our governor did not adopt updated guidance from the federal government in her most recent stay-at-home order that would provide greater clarity for employers and employees and would permit more people to work.”
According to the Senate Republican plan, low-risk businesses would be able to operate during phase 1 of the plan. Low-risk businesses include those that have little to no contact between employees, employers and customers.
Input from Michigan health officials is also welcomed as it relates to the plan, Shirkey said.
“We welcome input from the medical community to improve this proposed framework," Shirkey said. "We also hope the Senate bipartisan ‘Safe Behaviors for Safe Workplaces’ work group will consider this proposal as they continue to gather information about getting Michiganders safely back to work."
The Michigan Senate Republican caucus notes that the proposed plan is a template that can be revised over time. The caucus says it has also submitted the plan to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for review, requesting a response prior to April 30 regarding how the proposal can be incorporated into Michigan's reopening plan.
There are five phases outlined in the proposed plan with subcategories for what Conditions (number of deaths/cases), Business Activity and Citizen Activity would look like at each phase.
Read the complete plan and proposal below.
Senate Republican Proposal ... by WXYZ-TV Channel 7 Detroit on Scribd
Senate Republican Transitio... by WXYZ-TV Channel 7 Detroit on Scribd
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