(WXYZ) — Retail stores and auto dealerships in Michigan are able to open on Tuesday after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive order last week.
Those stores will have to adhere to many new restrictions as we deal with life amid the coronavirus outbreak. It's part of phase 4 of the state's opening plan.
Check out those details below from the governor's executive order.
6. Retail stores that are open for in-store sales must
– (a) Create communications material for customers (e.g., signs or pamphlets) to inform them of changes to store practices and to explain the precautions the store is taking to prevent infection.
– (b) Establish lines to regulate entry in accordance with subsection (c) of this section, with markings for patrons to enable them to stand at least six feet apart from one another while waiting. Stores should also explore alternatives to lines, including by allowing customers to wait in their cars for a text message or phone call, to enable social distancing and to accommodate seniors and those with disabilities.
– (c) Adhere to the following restrictions:
- (1) For stores of less than 50,000 square feet of customer floor space, must limit the number of people in the store (including employees) to 25% of the total occupancy limits established by the State Fire Marshal or a local fire marshal. Stores of more than 50,000 square feet must:
- (A) Limit the number of customers in the store at one time (excluding employees) to 4 people per 1,000 square feet of customer floor space
- (B) Create at least two hours per week of dedicated shopping time for vulnerable populations, which for purposes of this order are people over 60, pregnant women, and those with chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease.
- (2) The director of the Department of Health and Human Services is authorized to issue an emergency order varying the capacity limits described in this subsection as necessary to protect the public health.
– (d) Post signs at store entrance(s) instructing customers of their legal obligation to wear a face covering when inside the store.– (e) Post signs at store entrance(s) informing customers not to enter if they are or have recently been sick.
– (f) Design spaces and store activities in a manner that encourages employees and customers to maintain six feet of distance from one another.
– (g) Install physical barriers at checkout or other service points that require interaction, including plexiglass barriers, tape markers, or tables, as appropriate.
– (h) Establish an enhanced cleaning and sanitizing protocol for high-touch areas like restrooms, credit-card machines, keypads, counters, shopping carts, and other surfaces.
– (i) Train employees on:
- (1) Appropriate cleaning procedures, including training for cashiers on cleaning between customers.
- (2) How to manage symptomatic customers upon entry or in the store.
– (j) Notify employees if the employer learns that an individual (including a customer or supplier) with a confirmed case of COVID-19 has visited the store.– (k) Limit staffing to the minimum number necessary to operate
Additional Coronavirus information and resources:
Read our daily Coronavirus Live Blog for the latest updates and news on coronavirus.
Click here for a page with resources including a COVID-19 overview from the CDC, details on cases in Michigan, a timeline of Governor Gretchen Whitmer's orders since the outbreak, coronavirus' impact on Southeast Michigan, and links to more information from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the CDC and the WHO.
View a global coronavirus tracker with data from Johns Hopkins University.
Find out how you can help metro Detroit restaurants struggling during the pandemic.
See all of our Helping Each Other stories.
See complete coverage on our Coronavirus Continuing Coverage page.
