Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (file photo)
Gretchen Whitmer at an April 17 press briefing. (Photo: State of Michigan)
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer extended the state's stay-home order Friday from April 30 until May 15 while loosening a number of controversial restrictions on recreation and sales.
The latest order allows boating, golf, and travel to second homes. It also allows big-box stores to reopen sections previously shut down, like garden centers.
Closed retailers can open for curbside sales. Bike repair shops can also re-open and landscapers and lawn servicers can return to work.
Whitmer said loosening some restrictions was possible due to reduced hospitalizations for Covid-19 and the availability of more personal protective equipment for health care workers.
"We're in a moment where we can start to loosen a few things, these being lower-risk in that they have less communication [with] the general public," she said. "[We felt] we could have a wave of first engagemnet here and see what happens."
She stressed that residents must continue wearing masks and keep six-feet of distance from others.
The full updated order is here.
