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If ever there was a state that stands out when it comes to authoritarian control over the population, it would be the state of Michigan.
As if businesses in the state don’t have enough on their plates already trying to stay afloat amid the coronavirus pandemic, they now face the threat of a $200 fine and a misdemeanor charge punishable with up to six months in prison if they don’t adhere to new requirements to track customers. Violations may also be punishable by a civil fine of up to $1,000.
Under the guise of contact tracing, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is requiring businesses to record the personal information of consumers.
Gatherings are prohibited “unless the facility maintains accurate records, including date and time of entry, names of patrons, and contact information, to aid with contact tracing, and denies entry for a gathering to any visitor who does not provide, at a minimum, their name and phone number, ” the state government declared.
Facilities included are dine-in restaurants, hair salons, barber shops, tattoo parlors, arenas, cinemas, concert halls, performance venues, sporting venues, stadiums and theaters, as well as amusement parks, arcades, and bingo halls.
In addition to the penalties stated above, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s latest executive order says that a failure to comply may violate a business or professional’s licensure requirements or present a workplace safety violation — residents are urged to report violations.
Other restrictions include restaurants and bars limiting seating to no more than six people to a table and indoor venues without fixed seating limiting gatherings to no more than 50 people — down from a maximum of 500.
“The only way to beat COVID is to act on what we’ve learned since March,” MDHHS Director Robert Gordon insisted, according to WILX 10. “Wear masks. Keep six feet of distance. Wash hands. And avoid the indoor get-togethers where we have seen COVID explode.”
“Michiganders of every race and politics must choose to fight the disease, to believe the science,” Gordon added — must being the operative word.
The state Supreme Court struck down Whitmer’s emergency orders on COVID-19 last month, but the state still has restrictions in place, to include a mandatory mask order in effect.
Resident who fail to comply face the same harsh penalties detailed above.
COVID-19 didn’t stop being a threat because of the court ruling, because we’re tired of it, or because the legislature left town. We all have to do our part, because when it comes to fighting this virus, we are all in this together. pic.twitter.com/5LQwXO9UYi
— Governor Gretchen Whitmer (@GovWhitmer) October 6, 2020
Whitmer’s order defines a “gathering” being when “two or more persons from more than one household are present in a shared space.”
The state limits indoor gatherings at a residence to a total of ten people.
Fox News host Laura Ingraham slammed the “power mad” Democratic governor.
“Power mad [Gov. Whitmer] once again uses virus to destroy Michigan livelihoods. The bigger long term threat to Michigan isn’t Covid—it’s the dictatorship of ‘experts,'” Ingraham tweeted.
Power mad @GovWhitmer once again uses virus to destroy Michigan livelihoods. The bigger long term threat to Michigan isn’t Covid—it’s the dictatorship of “experts.” https://t.co/7U2Nm39kWL
— Laura Ingraham (@IngrahamAngle) November 1, 2020
Here’s a quick sampling of responses to the story from Twitter:
If her state and her lockdowns have been working, then why is her state seeing an increase in cases and requires further lockdowns?? Doesn’t make sense.
— Anthony C (@antsabq) November 1, 2020
They used the Health Department to oppress us after the Michigan Supreme Court found the governor’s actions unconstitutional.
Whitmer only cares about power.
— Sandy 〽️ (@RightGlockMom) November 1, 2020
Governor Whitman tasted the power of socialism, and loves it.
— Nicholas Darras (@nicholasdarras) November 2, 2020
Can’t look at her. Robot 🤖
— Foodgod (@foodgod) November 1, 2020
Wow Michigan! What the hell were you thinking?!!! But then again I’m in Nevada with Governor Sucksalot, so I really shouldn’t say anything.
— Byron Freeman (@tbfreeman64) November 1, 2020
She will do anything to keep people scared and economy stalled, all for politics. If MI stays blue, the voters deserve her and her crazy.
— blonderider (@Deb53226167) November 1, 2020
The Democratic Governors are the grim reaper for their states businesses. They’re MAD with control and power. They gotta go!
— ⭐️ MOONBAGS ☀️ (@Johnny70657424) November 2, 2020
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Tom@bizpacreview.com
The longest-tenured writer at BizPac Review, Tom grew up in Maryland before moving to Central Florida as a young teen. It is in the Sunshine State that he honed both his passion for politics and his writing skills.
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