Holland Reporter

Rep. Mary Whiteford (R-Casco Township) is asking Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to lift some of the strictest restrictions in areas where the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases are low. Whiteford says there are some businesses that can easily operate while maintaining safe distances between employees. 

“As a registered nurse, I know how serious the COVID-19 situation is, and I am an advocate for staying home when possible and taking other precautions to curtail the spread of the virus,” Whiteford said to Michigan House Republicans. “But our area is certainly not the hot spot and has been minimally affected.  With just 14 confirmed cases here in Allegan County, there is no reason to place the same level of restrictions on our businesses as metro Detroit.”

As of April 17, Allegan County had reported a total of 29 confirmed cases, according to Michigan.gov.

Builders, realtors, landscapers and mechanics have approached Whiteford, she says, expressing the opinion that they can work within social distancing guidelines.

“Our economy has taken a massive hit as a result of this virus, and we have an opportunity to improve the situation without putting anyone at risk,” said Whiteford, according to Michigan House Republicans. “I know the stress that so many workers and small business owners in our community are under. I hope the governor will consider this as an option for communities outside of the virus hot spots.”

Whitmer has proposed a 70-day extension to the state's emergency order. Whiteford believes this is too long; an extension of the emergency to May 1 and a reevaluation of the situation then would be a better plan.

Whiteford says she will continue to work with Whitmer to help Michigan through the coronavirus crisis. She has supported $150 million in state funding to improve Michigan's response and is urging the governor to quickly file the paperwork that is needed for federal assistance. 

“We’re in uncharted territory and we don’t know what the future holds,” Whiteford told Michigan House Republicans.