The parking lot at Jack’s Fruit and Meat Market on Bay Road in Saginaw Township was nearly filled to capacity within hours of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issuing a “stay-at-home” order.

“Asparagus 99 cents,” said the sign out front. “Jack’s is exempt (from order). We remain open to serve. Fully stocked with meat. New hours, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.”

“Good luck in there,” a woman wearing a face mask and Nike “Just-do-it” sweatpants said to entering shoppers as she rolled a mostly full cart toward her car.

Jack's Fruit and Meat Market in Saginaw Township

Around the state, grocery stores continue to face big crowds and high demand on basic necessities. In many stores, products like toilet paper, cleaning supplies, meat and pantry staples are running out quicker than they can be restocked.

With a new round of restrictions requiring residents to stay home unless their work is deemed essential, that trend could continue.

Starting 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, March 24, Michigan residents and businesses will be subject to a stay-at-home order through April 13, with violations subject to a misdemeanor charge. There are several exceptions to that rule, however, including operating or shopping at a grocery store.

Since the first case of coronavirus was detected in Michigan Whitmer has placed an emphasis on allowing for consumer access to goods, including by taking away seasonal truck weight restrictions to get more products delivered to stores.

Many Michigan stores are shifting hours to keep the shelves stocked and are taking extra cleaning precautions.

Meegan Holland, Vice President of Communications and Marketing for the Michigan Retailers Association, said many grocers deemed essential under the governor’s latest executive order still have a lot of questions, like whether their employees need proof in the event they’re stopped on the way to or from work.

What shoppers can expect at their local grocery stores largely depends on what stores are getting on any given day to replenish stocks, she said.

“Those stores are doing their best to stay clean and restock shelves,” Holland said. “I’m sure they’re slammed.”

Sierra Cornett and Andrew Guriel stopped by a Meijer store in East Lansing shortly after the new executive order was announced Monday - it was their second grocery store trip of the day as they sought out the supplies they needed.

Cornett said they understand the dangers of COVID-19 and why the governor is advising people to stay home, noting she recently had to come home early from a study abroad program in Spain as the pandemic worsened. She said she’s hopeful panic buying doesn’t interfere with the basic needs of residents as the disease continues to spread.

For Macomb Township residents Dan and Heather Schnau, the uncertainty of being able to find what they need at the grocery store to feed themselves and their three young children - all of whom are now home due to school closures - has added to their challenges.

“It’s been very chaotic...it’s hard keeping food on the table,” Dan Schnau said. “Flour, beef, things we need to feed our family - they’re all empty in the grocery stores.”

Jack's Fruit and Meat Market in Saginaw Township

A flurry of close-proximity activity surrounded the meant counter at Jack’s in Saginaw Township where fresh red meat filled bright display cases.

Behind the white-apron-wearing meat workers were two flat-screen TVs warning: “While waiting at the meat counter, please spread out and try to maintain a 6-foot distance from other shoppers.”

Most of the 20-plus people in line appeared to be disregarding the plea, standing closer to three feet apart or less on average.

Multiple shoppers said they were prompted to stock up on their grocery needs, including fresh produce, eggs and meat, after hearing Whitmer’s stay-at-home order Monday.

“We’re going to follow what she said and stay home,” said 51-year-old Jim Houser of Carrollton who was shopping with his wife. “As long as it doesn’t go past a month, two months we’ll be fine.

“I think it will probably blow over pretty quick if people just stay home.”.

Houser’s wife, who has an immunity deficiency said she stood away from the crowds inside the store and texted her husband the products she wanted to buy.

“It’s busy,” she said. “The meat counter is just packed with people. Nobody is maintaining any distance at all even though the signs are up there saying to.”

Jodie Jones, 37, of Saginaw Township said she was picking up some last-minute items before preparing to comply with the governor’s three-week stay-at-home order.

“I just want to limit the amount that I need to go out,” Jones said. “It’s hard to be six feet.”

“How well people listen” will determine if the state or federal government decide to take more action limiting public mobility and commerce, she said.

Jennifer Sanders, 58, of Bridgeport, who changes out of her clothes each time she returns home after being in public, worries business closures in other states could impact grocery supplies in Michigan, specifically regarding fresh meat and produce.

She’s concerned that the order isn’t enough.

“That’s what I don’t understand,” Sanders said. “How are they going to control it? They still have the stores open and gas stations open … Even when you go into a grocery store to shop, you’re still close to people.”

Thirteen-year-old Brazil Payton, who suffers from asthma, wore a face mask when she visited the Jack’s Fruit and Meat Market with her mother, 53-year-old Nikki Payton, for “last-minute meat.”

“People aren’t taking it serious,” said Nikki Payton, who’s restricted another adult daughter and granddaughter from visiting their Bridgeport home

“If I go in the hospital, what are my kids going to do,” she said. “She’s one of the ones running around not taking it seriously.”

Nikki Payton said she’s concerned for “everybody,” including employees of grocery stores that are allowed to remain open during the stay-at-home order.

“I feel bad,” she said. “Because you know how much stuff they’re dealing with? Forget about it … They’re touching all this merchandise … You’ve got to feel for them. I commend everybody that’s out here.”

Stock worker Daniel Dunbar said management is willing to work with employees who feel uncomfortable working in this climate.

“The only thing that bothers me is people who come out when they are sick,” he said. “I’ve heard other workers ask why we haven’t closed yet.

“I understand where they are coming from because there is a lot going on but you have to understand that we’re like a main source where people can get food, toilet paper tissue and water and all that stuff.”

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.

Complete coverage of coronavirus in Michigan.

More information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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