South Michigan News

Sen. Dale Zorn (R-Ida) supports Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s decision to rescind Michigan’s stay-at-home order, which has been in effect since the end of March.

“For several weeks, we have urged the governor to reduce her punitive and overly broad restrictions and allow more Michigan workers in low-risk or low-contact jobs to return to work to support their families,” Zorn said on the MiSenateGOP. “This is an overdue but encouraging step forward.”

As stated on Michigan.gov, the lifting of the stay-at-home order is part of an executive order in which Whitmer also announced Michigan was being moved to phase four of the six-phase plan to safety reopen the state amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Retailers were given the authority to reopen this week, while restaurants and day camps are allowed to resume operations on June 8.

Other businesses that can now reopen include housecleaning services and office work that can’t be done remotely. Michigan residents are encouraged to work from home if they can and are still required to wear face coverings and practice social distancing when in public.

“I’m pleased to see that the governor has recognized the devastating impact the coronavirus and the stay-at-home order have had on Michigan families and small businesses,” Zorn said on the MiSenateGOP website. “However, we need to continue to do more to reopen our state — especially in border communities, where many businesses remain closed while competitors just across the state line are open and safely serving customers.”

Zorn has previously criticized the actions Whitmer has taken regarding the state’s COVID-19 response. On Zorn’s website last month, he announced his support of a lawsuit that was filed against Whitmer alleging her actions have been unconstitutional, including her refusal to work with the Legislature on coronavirus-related issues.