HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — Ottawa and Allegan counties’ sheriff’s offices are taking slightly different approaches to enforcing one part of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s “stay home, stay safe” executive order.
With some confusiotn as to what businesses are considered essential — and area residents have been confused about whom to call with their concerns.
Both Ottawa County Sheriff’s Capt. Mark Bennett and Allegan County Undersheriff Mike Larsen agree that no one should call 911 about a company violating this executive order.
In Allegan County, Larsen said people wanting to report violations should call the non-emergency dispatch number, (269) 673-3899.
Bennett said Ottawa County created a dedicated email account for such inquiries: stayhomestaysafe@miottawa.com.
Larsen said people will know if they are essential when their employers provide them with letters saying so.
He added that Allegan deputies “will NOT be randomly stopping vehicles to check for compliance, however, if a violation of any traffic or criminal law occurs where a stop is made, additional enforcement may take place if deemed appropriate as it relates to the Order. Violations of the Order are misdemeanors.”
Stay Home. Stay Safe. Save Lives. Link to www.michigan.gov/coronavirus
For at least the next three weeks, all Michigan businesses and operations must temporarily suspend in-person operations that are not necessary to sustain or protect life, and all Michiganders must stay in their homes unless they’re a part of that critical infrastructure workforce, engaged in an outdoor activity, or performing tasks necessary to the health and safety of themselves or their family, like going to the hospital or grocery store.
Under this executive order, people can:
- Go to the grocery store or pick up take-out food.
- Go to the pharmacy to pick up a needed prescription.
- Engage in outdoor activities like walking, hiking, running, biking.
- Go to the hospital or secure any care necessary to address a medical emergency or to preserve your health or the health of a loved one.
- Fill your car with gas.
- Return to Michigan to a home or place of residence from outside the State.
- Leave the State for a home or residence elsewhere.
- Walk your pets and take them to the veterinarian for needed medical care.
Gov. Whitmer’s “stay home, stay safe” executive order bars people from:
- Leaving the home to work unless your employer designates you as a critical infrastructure worker.
- Participating in any public gatherings.
- Visiting someone in the hospital, nursing home, or other residential care facilities (with limited exceptions).
- Going to the mall or to restaurants.
Businesses remaining open for in-person work must take aggressive steps to minimize COVID-19’s spread, including:
- Promoting remote work to the fullest extent possible.
- Restricting the number of workers present in-person on the job.
- Keeping employees at least six feet from one another, to the maximum extent possible
- Enabling social distancing for customers who are standing in line.
- Any other social distancing practices and mitigation measures recommended by the Centers for Disease Control.
The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.
For those who have questions about the state’s actions to mitigate the spread of coronavirus, please call the COVID-19 hotline at (888) 535-6136 between 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily.
