Holland Reporter

As the state of Michigan begins the process of reopening the state, one state representative believes a blanket solution does not cover the state fairly and equitably. 

Rep. Mary Whiteford (R-Casco Township)  announced a regional plan that takes into account the numbers of people in an area impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The plan, unveiled by the House Republicans, considers how many residents have tested positive and other risk factors, while understanding that not every region is the same. A task force was proposed to study the factors and present a plan that indicates which counties within the state can open earlier with less risk. 

The plan features eight different regions and the potential reopening of nine different types of workplaces. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s task force that has been deployed for the state’s reopening is a 29-member economic recovery council comprised of hospital leaders, business executives and university presidents. 

Whiteford referred to stats indicating the curve is flattening in the area she represents, and she feels it's time to move forward. She added that Allegan County couldn’t be compared to other counties, as one size does not fit all, according to Michigan House Republicans.

“As a registered nurse, I understand the serious situation we are in with the virus, but I also know that its impact has been regional in Michigan, and our restrictions should be, too,” Whiteford said in a House press release. “We must reach a balance between social-distancing safety measures and the needs of our working families and job providers. Their livelihoods are on the line.”

The House’s vision for the task force is to help determine which jobs and activities can be safely resumed using federal Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency guidelines, which have been determined not to be as restrictive as some of the guidelines the state is currently using. 

The Upper Peninsula is poised to reopen first within the state, as it is known to have a relatively low number of confirmed cases compared to other parts of the state. As of May 27, Allegan County has had 211 positive cases and 6 deaths, according to Michigan.gov.