Whitmer closes bars in Michigan

By RICHARD JENKINS

rjenkins@yourdailyglobe.com

LANSING — As the number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise in their states, the governors in Michigan and Wisconsin have brought back measures from earlier this year designed to halt the spread of the coronavirus.

In Michigan, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a pair of executive orders Wednesday that again limits the size of gatherings to 10 people and closes bars to indoor service — including in the Upper Peninsula and other parts of the state’s Region 8. The order takes effect starting today.

“As we see COVID-19 cases continue to rise, Michiganders cannot afford to drop our guard. We must take every step possible to save lives, protect the brave men and women on the front lines, and avoid overwhelming our healthcare system while we continue to combat COVID-19,” Whitmer said in a news release announcing the new measures. “After seeing a resurgence in cases connected to social gatherings across the state, we must further limit gatherings for the health of our community and economy. By taking these strong actions, we will be better positioned to get our children back into classrooms and avoid a potentially devastating second wave.”

Under the orders, indoor gatherings are limited to 10 or less people across the state and bars are to cease indoor service if more than 70% of their gross receipts come from alcohol sales.

Outdoor gatherings are limited to 100 people, although regions 6 and 8 — which includes the U.P. — remain at a limit of 250 people for outdoor gatherings.

Gogebic County has recorded 61 positive coronavirus cases, according to data on the state’s website, and six probables Wednesday. Ontonagon County is still listed at two positive cases and one probable, according to Wednesday’s data.

On Thursday, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services issued an order reinforcing the Whitmer’s directives, allowing for fines of up to $1,000 and referrals to licensing agencies for violations.

Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, Gov. Tony Evers declared a public health emergency and issued a statewide executive order Thursday mandating masks or face coverings when indoors and not in a private residence. This order takes effect at 12:01 a.m. Saturday and runs through Sept. 28, according to a news release from Evers’ office announcing the decision.

“While our local health departments have been doing a heck of a job responding to this pandemic in our communities, the fact of the matter is, this virus doesn’t care about any town, city, or county boundary, and we need a statewide approach to get Wisconsin back on track,” Evers said in the news release. “We’ve said all along that we’re going to let science and public health experts be our guide in responding to this pandemic, and we know that masks and face coverings will save lives. While I know emotions are high when it comes to wearing face coverings in public, my job as governor is to put people first and to do what’s best for the people of our state, so that’s what I am going to do.”

Sixty-one of Wisconsin’s 72 counties are “experiencing high COVID-19 activity,” according to the release, compared to June when only 19 counties had this level of activity.

“The average number of new confirmed cases of COVID-19 has drastically increased throughout July, with an average of 556 new cases each day between July 1-7, an average of 764 new cases each day between July 8-14 (a 37% increase from the previous week), an average of 890 new cases each day between July 15-21 (a 16% increase from the previous week), and an average of 938 new cases each day between July 22-26 (a 5% increase from the previous week),” a spokesperson said in the release.

The Iron County Health Department’s Thursday update showed 67 positive cases and seven non-residents who are staying in Iron County.

Iron County has the highest rate of active COVID-19 infections in the state of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Public Radio reported Thursday, and is one of only four counties in the state where there are more active cases than recovered ones. Juneau, Langlade and Menominee are the other three, according to WPR’s reporting.

Under Whitmer’s Wednesday orders, the Detroit casinos will be allowed to open Aug. 5, with occupancy limited to 15% capacity. As part of the reopening plan, the casinos must conduct a daily entry screening protocol for customers and employees, temperature screenings and require face coverings except when eating or drinking.