Shirkey Announces Senate Republican Proposal to “Open Michigan Safely”

(April 16, 2020 6:01 PM) Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey, R-Clarklake, on Thursday unveiled a proposal from the Senate Republican caucus described as a framework “to return Michiganders to the workplace safely and bring the state’s economy back online.”

“The Senate Republican caucus believes it is our responsibility to propose a framework for Michiganders to live life in the presence of COVID-19, safely” said Shirkey.

The Senate Republican proposal, Open Michigan Safely,  is structured in phases that outline conditions in the state, suggest safe business operations, and propose levels of activity.

During Phase 1 of the Senate Republican proposal, businesses whose employees are lower exposure risk as described by OHSA and can maintain social distancing of employees at least 6 feet apart or provide appropriate PPE, as well as other safety protocols, may operate.   Phase 1 is described as the period of time when cases and deaths are rising and on track to exceed (or are already exceeding) healthcare system capacity.  OSHA does not specifically categorize what jobs fall into the different risk categories.

“Michigan remains an outlier amongst states with strict stay-at-home orders” said Shirkey. “Our governor did not adopt updated guidance from the federal government in her most recent stay-at-home order that would provide greater clarity for employers and employees and would permit more people to work.”

The new stay-at-home order, which Governor Whitmer signed last week, includes prohibiting state residents to travel to in-state vacation homes, closing store areas that sell goods like carpets, flooring, furniture, garden centers and paint, prohibiting the advertising of goods that “are not groceries, medical supplies, or items that are necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation, and basic operation of residences,” among other restrictions. 

The Republican proposal recommends adopting federal guidelines from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Administration (CISA),  Department of Homeland Security.   

The Open Michigan Safely proposal would allow low-risk businesses to operate during Phase 1.  Shirkey describes low-risk businesses as those that have little to no physical contact between employers, employees and customers. An individual who can perform his or her job without the need for physical contact with another individual would be allowed to resume work under the Republican Caucus proposal.

“This proposal embraces strict adherence by employees to health and safety measures and disciplined execution of safe workplace protocols by employers. These behaviors are essential components of each phase and are crucial to restoring Michigan’s economic vitality,” said Shirkey.

Shirkey says the document is a proposed template that may be refined and improved over time with input from the medical community, healthcare systems, and others with relevant expertise.

The Senate Republicans have shared the proposal with Governor Whitmer and have asked her to respond prior to April 30 on how the proposal can be incorporated into short and long-term plans for Michigan.

At a briefing yesterday, Governor Whitmer said the Order is aimed at flattening Michigan’s case number curve. The restrictions are designed to prevent transmission within crowded stores and limiting travel outside the home.

She said she understands the feelings of frustration at new limitations.  “There’s nobody who’d rather be able to push a button and just return to life as normal,” Whitmer said. “But no button exists in this environment.”

To read the Republican Caucus proposal overview, click here.

To read the Republican Caucus ‘Open Michigan Safely’ Phases of Transition, click here.