Michigan companies fear restrictions as COVID numbers increase

Governor Gretchen Whitmer said she is not actively considering new restrictions, as COVID cases continue to increase in the state.

March 26, 2021: Michigan coronavirus cases up to 647,899; Death toll now at 16,004

For companies operating at 50% capacity, the increase in numbers is a cause for concern.

“I mean, when it comes to increasing numbers, it’s scary,” said Nick Waligora, Pitaya’s manager. “Nobody wants to hear that, especially with the vaccine in circulation.”

Speaking at the Michigan Chronicle’s Pancakes and Politics event on Thursday, Whitmer pointed out that many have made masks and social detachment a part of their routine.

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“Here is the thing that is different from the spring wave or even the autumn wave: now we know a lot more about our common enemy COVID-19,” said Whitmer. “And so, we were able to make a more nuanced attack to keep people safe and re-engage sectors of our economy.”

And when it comes to vaccine distribution, 3.6 million michiganders have already received at least one injection and 16.5% of our population both.

“As the number of cases increases, so does the number of people vaccinated,” said Joel Padilla.

Padilla said his family and employees at Detroit’s Taqueria El Nacimiento have been fully vaccinated. While security is paramount, he hopes that capacities will not be reduced.

“50% of our team is practically out of work because the waitresses depend on the tables,” said Padilla.

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He believes that the focus should be on increasing the distribution of vaccines, rather than increasing restrictions.

READING: Michigan COVID-19 vaccines: how to find appointments, information on phases

“As long as we move forward with everyone’s vaccination so that we can achieve collective immunity, get back to normal and be able to get back to reality,” agreed Waligora.