As the COVID-19 pandemic continues with an uptick in cases in St. Joseph County and elsewhere in Michigan, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer continues to issue orders that modify or add to existing orders regarding mask use. In light of the tighter rules, Watershed Voice spoke with some local law enforcement officials to find out how they are treating mask usage around Three Rivers and St. Joseph County.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer acknowledged she will be extending the state’s Stay at Home order past its current April 30 deadline
"Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has been trying to stay in front of this pandemic and is making decisions based on our safety, the constituents of her state. Requesting supplies from the federal government, closing schools, and issuing stay-at-home orders are all part of an attempt to flatten the curve on this deadly virus, and will save lives if done correctly. Her decision to extend the stay-at-home orders and to create more stringent rules are not because she has decided to be a dictator, nor are they because she is trying to become Joe Biden’s running mate. "It’s because we as residents of this state were not making intelligent decisions."
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer updated Michigan on the novel coronavirus Wednesday hours after thousands of protestors jammed the Capitol to protest her executive order.
Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Jim Stamas on Monday called for laying off non-essential state employees because of state budget concerns amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The Michigan Department of Treasury estimates the impact on the 2020 state budget to be between $1 billion and $3 billion.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s stay-at-home order, originally issued March 24, 2020, was extended until April 30. The order was originally intended to expire April 13. Violators are subject to fines up to $1,000, increased from the original maximum of $500 and jail sentences up to 90 days via a misdemeanor charge. Businesses that defy the order will be subject to penalties determined by their licensing agencies.
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