Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued a sweeping executive order to temporarily close dine-in services at all bars and restaurants while also shutting down theaters, fitness centers and various other public spaces in response to the coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak.

Whitmer issued the order Monday after the number of cases in the state rose to 53. Restaurants can maintain carry-out, drive-thru and delivery services but must close their doors to the public starting at 3 p.m. March 16, continuing through March 30.

Whitmer’s order also temporarily closes theaters, casinos, cafes, coffee houses, bars, taverns, brewpubs, distilleries, clubs, indoor and outdoor performance venues, gymnasiums, fitness centers and recreation centers.

These restrictions do not apply to office buildings, grocery stores, markets, food pantries, pharmacies, drug stores, providers of medical equipment and supplies, health care facilities, residential care facilities, congregate care facilities, juvenile justice facilities, warehouse and distribution centers, and industrial and manufacturing facilities. The order does not apply to Michigan’s tribal casinos, though several have decided to close on their own.

“This is about saving lives,” Whitmer said in a statement. "Michiganders are tough and we are going to get through this, but it will require everyone doing their part. That means making smart choices and not putting yourself or others at risk by going out in public unless it is absolutely necessary.”

The closures were announced on the eve of St. Patrick’s Day, one of the biggest revenue days for bars. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel urged business owners Sunday to make public health their top priority while also acknowledging the effect coronavirus will have on tip-dependent workers.

Nessel said the closures are “necessary and appropriate in light of the extraordinary circumstances in which we find ourselves."

“It is heartbreaking that an industry built on service to others must be shut down to help protect and keep safe the families they call their customers and friends," Nessel said in a statement Monday. “In an effort to help them through this difficult and unexpected shutdown, I am asking our partners in the state and federal legislature to look for ways to help alleviate the financial impact of this shutdown.”

READ MORE: Monday, March 16: Latest developments on coronavirus in Michigan

Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association President & CEO Justin Winslow said Whitmer’s decision is the right move to protect the public health. He also warned that Michigan’s restaurant and lodging industries “will be decimated in the coming weeks, severely impacting the 600,000 people they employ."

Winslow also called on Whitmer to qualify Michigan for the U.S. Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loan program. The federal program provides up to $2 million in loans to help small businesses pay off debts, payroll and other bills during a disaster.

“We understand that these decisions will impact the way we do business, but the decisions we make now will allow us to get our economy back on track sooner rather than later," said Jeff Donofrio, director of the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. "We are putting measures in place to help protect the employers, employees, and individuals that will be impacted.”

Winslow also encouraged people to support their favorite restaurants by purchasing gift cards and use take-out and delivery services.

“Michigan’s hospitality industry dedicates itself year-round to create memorable experiences for you, your family, and friends," he said in a statement."Now, our hospitality industry is going to need extra support from the community as it navigates the coming weeks and months.”

The governor previously ordered all K-12 schools closed and banned gatherings of over 250 to limit community spread of the infectious respiratory disease. State officials confirmed 53 total cases of people who tested positive for coronavirus as of March 15.

“This disease is a challenge unlike any we’ve experienced in our lifetimes,” Whitmer said in a statement. “Fighting it will cause significant but temporary changes to our daily lives. By practicing social distancing and taking aggressive action now, the state is working to mitigate the spread of coronavirus so we reduce the risk that our health care system becomes overwhelmed."

Whitmer’s order also comes after the governor declared a state of emergency. President Donald Trump declared a national emergency over the coronavirus outbreak, which was also designated as a global pandemic by the World Health Organization.

Meanwhile, several of Michigan’s most populated counties also ordered bars and restaurants to reduce capacity.

Washtenaw County County Health Officer Jimena Loveluck issued an emergency order Sunday night to reduce the number of people crowding into bars, restaurants and gyms. Oakland County, Kent County and Ingham County similar public health orders reducing the capacity for public spaces amid the coronavirus pandemic.

PREVENTION TIPS

Michigan’s State Emergency Operations Center is coordinating state-government resources and the response to the coronavirus spread. It has shared the following tips:

What you can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases:

· Always cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue or sleeve.

· Stay home if you are sick and advise others to do the same.

· Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

· Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

· Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.

· Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, if soap and warm water are not available.

· Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces(computers, keyboards, desks, etc.).

· It’s not too late to get your flu shot! While the influenza vaccine does not protect against COVID-19 infection, it can help keep you healthy during the flu season.

READ MORE:

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