Whitmer Mum On Whether Michigan Dining Ban Will Be Extended

MICHIGAN — An extension of Michigan's three-week pause on indoor dining at eateries across the state is being considered, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer told reporters Tuesday at a news conference, but whether the initial three-week indoor dining ban was effective is still to be determined.

Whitmer said a decision could come next week, when the initial three-week pause comes to an end. However, the governor did not say how exactly that decision would be made, explaining only that she has been consulting with state and federal health officials.

"I think we're all feeling that anxiety, but no one as acutely as restaurant workers," Whitmer said about whether the pause would be extended. "That's why we are really being thoughtful and targeted and listening to our public health experts as we design a path forward here in Michigan."

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Whitmer said next week the state will likely have a better understanding of whether the pause worked, and whether residents have followed other guidelines implemented.

"I would anticipate early next week we'll have a much better idea of what this pause has meant," she said.

Whitmer announced Nov. 15 that the state would order a three-week pause on indoor dining at eateries across Michigan. The order took effect Nov. 23 and ends Dec. 8. Noting that restaurants have been struggling, Whitmer called on federal legislators to pass a $100 million COVID-19 relief package to assist those businesses.

"The nature of this virus demands that we all work together to protect the people that we serve," Whitmer said.

Whitmer said governors from across the country have been urging Congress and the White House to pass a bipartisan COVID-19 relief bill that would provide some assistance to families struggling during the coronavirus pandemic. Last week, Whitmer said she sent a letter to legislators asking for assistance in Michigan, where more than 360,000 cases of the coronavirus have been reported and over 9,000 people have died.

But leaders at the federal level still have not been able to agree on a plan, Whitmer said.

"It's crucial for us to come together now to pass a targeted state-based economic stimulus plan of up to $100 million that will provide direct financial support to families and small businesses that have been hit hardest by this pandemic," Whitmer said.

Michigan is one of many states struggling during the pandemic, Whitmer said. The state is staring at a $1 billion budget shortfall next year, prompting the governor to say hard choices will need to be made about avoiding spending too much on "non-critical projects" while focusing funding on residents and businesses.

Whitmer also said Tuesday that she is urging legislators to pass a permanent extension of unemployment benefits. Michigan's maximum $362 weekly benefit for unemployed residents is in the bottom third in the nation and the lowest in the Great Lakes region, Whitmer said. While the state extended unemployment benefits earlier this year to 26 weeks, that extension expires at the end of the year.

"If we don't take this bipartisan action now, thousands of Michiganders who are unemployed can lose benefits right after the holiday," she said.

Passing legislation to require masks in public places should be a high priority on both sides of the aisle, Whitmer said Tuesday.

"It would slow the spread of COVID and support our businesses," she said.