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An empty downtown Detroit (Photo: Michael Lucido)
Some folks who think Michigan's tougher stay-home order tramples on their rights. Others question the inconsistencies of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's new order.
Under the order:
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State residents can't travel to their Up North cottages, but Illinois residents who own one in Michigan apparently can.
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In-store purchases of Michigan Lottery tickets are still permitted, but buying a can of paint or a bag of seeds is off limits.
Some critics simply don't like the added restrictions, such as bans on golf, power boats and Jet Skis, despite arguments that they're necessary to control the pandemic.
On Saturday morning, permitted travel between two Michigan residences, even to watch TV together, will end. Exceptions include caring for a relative, an elderly friend or a pet, visiting a nursing home or similar facility attending a funeral with no more than 10 people, or complying with a court order related to child custody.
"I don't think that's right," Hal Hughes, 88, a retired manufactured home salesman in Plymouth, tells the Freep. "You should be able to visit who you want to visit."
One person posted on Facebook:
Sorry about posting political b.s. but...Yet you can go to the liquor store and get a half gallon of vodka and some lottery tickets. This is a gross overreach! I've never been so disappointed in my state.
Whitmer defends the more restrictive order.
“Michigan has the third highest number of COVID-19 cases in the country, and we’re still on the upswing. We must continue to do everything we can to slow the spread and protect our families,” she said in a statement. “Data shows that most Michiganders are doing their part by staying home and staying safe. That’s good, but we must keep it up.
"When we do, we can save lives and shorten the amount of time we’re working through this crisis, which will be good for our families and good for our economy in the long run."
