Watching the COVID-19 case numbers around the country and comparing them state by state may give the impression that Michigan is outperforming many of its neighbors, including Ohio and others in the Great Lakes area.
However, the actions that the state of Michigan took to achieve this have been debated as the economy falters at the hands of government-mandated lockdowns and, more specifically, a ban on indoor dining. Small businesses and restaurants across the state are suffering as a result, meaning thousands are out of work with little hope for government assistance, especially following discouraging developments in the debate for stimulus checks, according to Bridge Michigan.
The economic situation in Michigan has many residents wondering if the bans on indoor dining and other restrictions are worth it, considering the damage that has been done to the economy. There is data to suggest that the bans on indoor dining did not have as dramatic of an impact as the state had hoped, with other states being able to slow the spread without instituting a ban on indoor dining.
Scientists agree that social distancing and mask mandates do help to slow the spread of the virus. However, the science is much less conclusive when it comes to bans on indoor dining and restrictions on small businesses. This is because it is so difficult to attribute where cases are coming from, especially when the general population has been somewhat unwilling to comply with the government when it comes to restrictions about gatherings.
Robert Gordon, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services director, told Bridge Michigan, "The pause is working. Michigan is clearly in the best position of any state in our region."
However, Lindsey Leininger, clinical professor of business administration at the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College, says that it's impossible to tell how much restrictions like mask mandates and closing indoor dining are having an effect on the spread of the coronavirus. “That’s the million-dollar question,” she told Bridge Michigan. “To attribute cause and effect is a tough thing to do.”
For his part, Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey (R-Clarklake) and most congressional Republicans are still against things like mandatory mask requirements and shutting down businesses. "Enough is enough. Open the economy. Punish the bad actors, but don’t destroy jobs,” he said, according to Bridge Michigan.
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