By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org
Grocery stories, pharmacies, gas stations these are will remain open during the statewide stay-at-home order that goes into effect at 12:01 a.m. March 24. The order is scheduled to last three weeks until April 13.
During her address to the state, Governor Gretchen Whitmer made it clear that essentials services and business would remain open.
For many, people understand that essential services would be those in the medical and health field or business that sustain or protects life. In fact, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has issued a list of critical businesses and operations that are considered important to keep the country running. For the complete list, click here.
On CIST list and considered are some of essential services and businesses. Note, the order is to reduce the number of people out, so remember to limit trips as much as possible to these places:
Grocery stores: As the governor put it, no panic buying, the grocery stores will remain open along with farmers markets, farm and produce stands, supermarkets, and convenience stores. Also any business crucial to the supply chain of these business are included. You do not want to go into the store? Well there is always Shipt or most stores such as Meijer and Family Fare offer online order and pick-up service.
Stores that sell medicine: See above, but basically any store that sells medicines, such as a pharmacy, will remain open.
Restaurants: The Schezwan chicken and that favorite pizza joint can still provide you food for take-out or delivery only. Whitmer is encouraging people to take advantage of delivery services such as UberEats which is currently offering free delivery if you order from a local restaurant.
Charitable and social services: Religious and nonprofit organizations like food banks, shelters, social services and other necessities for economically disadvantaged individuals who need assistance as a result of the emergency, people living with disabilities. So yes, the current effort to feed all the students who rely on school lunches will continue. Visit School News Network for a list of schools and schedules.
Gas stations and businesses needed for transportation: Gas stations, auto supply, auto repair, farm equipment, construction equipment, boat repair, bicycle shops, and related facilities. Also taxis, buses, trains, planes and Uber and Lyft also are operating.
Financial and insurance institutions: Banks, currency exchanges consumer lenders, consumer installment lenders, sales finance lenders, credit unions, appraisers, title companies, financial markets, trading and futures exchanges, payday lenders, affiliates of financial institutions, entities that issue bonds, institutions selling financial products and related institutions; insurance companies, underwriters, agents, brokers, and related insurance claims and agency services. So yes, your cash is available to you.
Pet stores: Also you will be able to feed your pet, so you need not to run out for that 200-pound bag of dog food or cat food.
Hardware stores and critical trades: If the furnace goes out, you will still be able to get it fixed. Also electrical and plumbing services will be available along with exterminators, cleaning and janitorial staff, security staff and others in the construction trades.
Laundry services: There is no excuse not to stay clean as laundromats, dry cleaners, industrial laundry service and laundry service providers will all be open.
Childcare workers: Those providing childcare services for those who are critical infrastructure workers, such as health care providers, are considered essential.
If you are not sure if you work in an essential service or business, your employer will notify you. According to the order, employers must notify people either in writing or verbally by Mar. 31 at 11:59 p.m. All employers much review staff to determine if each employee is considered necessary for the business to continue. This means some employees who work for essential services or businesses may be asked to stay-at home.
For a review of Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s order, click here. For other updates on the statewide coronavirus efforts, visit www.michigan.gov/coronavirus.
