Breaking news: Governor extends stay at home directive

By Charles Sercombe
In a press conference today (Friday, April 24), Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced what most people thought she would:
She extended her “stay at home” order until May 15.
But she did loosen up what work and retail activity can resume.
Whitmer also wants us to wear a mask whenever going into an enclosed public space, like a party store or market. But there is no penalty (other than dirty looks from others) for not following the order.
Work that can return includes landscaping. Big box stores that were told to not sell nursery and garden items can now go back into business.
She said she determined whether to lift the stay at home order on whether the state was experiencing a drop off of COVID-19 cases, as well as a number of other factors.
The number of COVID-19 cases indeed appears to be going down.
In the meantime, the Republican-led state legislature has plans of its own today. Republican legislators are meeting in Lansing and say they won’t allow the governor to extend the stay home directive.
But just what that means is unclear, other than there will likely be courts involved to settle the dispute.
As for as what further re-openings will look like is also unknown, other than it will be staggered.
Does that mean restaurants and bars can soon re-open?
When will other businesses deemed “nonessential” get to open?
Will we ever get a proper haircut again?
And even if all these businesses do open, what kind of social distancing will be observed?
And consider this: A number of people say they won’t be going out to restaurants, bars or movies even if they are open in the near future for fear of catching the disease – meaning businesses that are now suffering financially may find a re-opened economy is no guarantee people will come out.
There are still just too many unknowns at this point.
Hamtramck’s own COVID-19 outbreak continues to increase. As of Friday, April 24, there were 122 known cases, and 12 deaths caused by the disease.
Many of Hamtramck’s independent businesses have been financially ravaged by the closing down. Fortunately, congress has approved a new round of financial aid that will include more money for small businesses to stay afloat.
The grants are being administered by local banks. If you are a business owner and need financial assistance, check out what to do online.
There is even money, $89.4 million in fact, coming down the pike for schools.
It’s not clear how this might impact Hamtramck Public Schools.
In a press release, this is what Gov. Whitmer had to say about the federal grant:
“It’s never been more important to ensure every Michigan student has access to a high-quality education, and this funding will help our continued efforts to provide remote, and other critical educational services, to all students in every corner of our state during the ongoing pandemic.
“In the weeks ahead, I will identify strategies that ensure this federal funding provides much-needed support to our schools hit hardest during this unprecedented crisis.”
Posted April 24, 2020