Happy that the restaurant and hospitality industry is not being forced to close down for a third time in Michigan, the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association has responded to today’s extended and expanded epidemic order from the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services by urging everyone to be careful and abide by rules to avoid any need for a closure.
Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (MRLA) President & CEO Justin Winslow released the following statement regarding the new MDHHS Epidemic Order:
“We laud the difficult, but appropriate decision today by MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel to extend the existing Epidemic Order. While the Order maintains limits on occupancy in restaurants, banquets and event centers, it very importantly opts not to close them a third time as has been suggested by some.
While we maintain that all available data has consistently demonstrated that restaurants have provided a comparatively safe environment for both patrons and employees, we also acknowledge that Michigan is enduring a challenging third wave of COVID-19 with troubling rates of community spread.
In the hospitality industry, we know the importance of working together to get the job done, and that is what we are calling for today. It is incumbent upon all of us — operators and guests alike — to do our part to act responsibly so that we can quickly return to a quality of life that includes dining and travel opportunities for everyone. If you are an operator, remain vigilant and double down on the processes and procedures known to keep people safe and promote outdoor dining if available. If you are a guest, please practice patience and respect the protocols in place to keep you and those around you safe.
We remain committed to working with this administration on policies and communications that incorporate the hospitality industry as part of the solution towards a better and safer Michigan.”
