Wisconsin has extended its stay-at-home order through May 26, but don’t expect Michigan to do the same, Michigan Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey said Friday.

Michigan will likely have some form of restrictions beyond April 30 – which is the current expiration date for the state’s stay-at-home order, said Shirkey, R-Clark Lake. The senator took questions during a online discussion with the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce on Friday, April 17.

“I don’t see any way for the legislature to agree to continuing the (stay-at-home) order as it exists today, much beyond April 30," Shirkey said. “I can see a restricted social gathering and interaction executive order for sure.”

Shirkey said Michigan should be reopened “incrementally, systematically, surgically and safely” based on research and analysis.

Representatives from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s office couldn’t be reached for comment Friday afternoon.

When asked if Whitmer could extend the order without approval from the legislature, Shirkey said the answer is “not clear."

There are two Michigan statutes that address emergency powers of the governor, Shirkey said, one from 1945 and another from 1976. The 1976 act specifically mentions an epidemic as a reason for emergency – while the 1945 law does not.

The more recent act also requires legislative approval for an extension, while the first does not. The question of which act applies will be the topic of debate in the coming weeks, as the state determines its next steps, Shirkey said.

The senator also talked about the reopening of the dining rooms at restaurants, saying there will likely be specific requirements to reduce capacity and increase other precautions.

"This is just a wild guess here, but I’m thinking we’re six weeks away from even contemplating opening restaurants," Shirkey said. "It wouldn’t surprise me that we require people to go in and out with a mask on and they only take them off when they’re eating."

Senate Republicans unveiled a plan Thursday for reopening Michigan’s economy. The plan includes five phases, starting with a modified stay-at-home order allowing low-risk businesses to open back up.

Michigan had 30,023 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 2,227 deaths from the virus, as of Friday.

Reporter Marie Weidmayer contributed to this story.

PREVENTION TIPS

In addition to washing hands regularly and not touching your face, officials recommend practicing social distancing, assuming anyone may be carrying the virus.

Health officials say you should be staying at least 6 feet away from others and working from home, if possible.

Carry hand sanitizer with you, and use disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray cleaners on frequently-touched surfaces in your home (door handles, faucets, countertops) and when you go into places like stores.

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