SE Oakland News

Rep. Andrea Schroeder (R-Independence Township), welcoming the easing of pandemic restrictions by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, said that although Oakland County has been devastated by COVID-19, the community is strong and will persevere.

“We will return to some semblance of normalcy by continuing to work together in everyone’s best interests,” she announced on Michigan House Republicans. “The governor’s revised stay-home order includes some loosened restrictions that will allow more people to return to work, and more families to enjoy outdoor activities -- without increasing the risk to public health. Her order is not perfect, but it includes some significant steps in the right direction.”

Whitmer extended the stay-at-home order through May 28, but partially eased restrictions allowing some types of businesses to open and restoring the right of the public to participate in outdoor activities such as fishing, motorized boating and golfing.

The lifting of restrictions also allows travel between residences in the state. People who own two homes in Michigan can now travel between them. The prior order restricting such travel provoked complaints from residents of southern Michigan’s urban areas who had second homes in rural and resort areas of the state.

Michigan, as of May 14, has reported more than 49,000 COVID-19 cases and almost 5,000 deaths, according to Michigan.gov.

Whitmer faced criticism from some Michigan residents and Republican lawmakers, including President Donald Trump, that she had been too restrictive in her lockdown to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

She remained adamant that it was the best way. “Staying home remains our best weapon to defeat this enemy and to stop the spread,” Whitmer said, according to CBS News.

Schroeder said easing restrictions will allow more retailers to open again and sell more items.

“The new guidelines will also help people return to their jobs safely to provide for their families,” she told Michigan House Republicans. “As chair of the Waterways Caucus and representing the Michigan House’s 43rd District -- a portion of Oakland County that is home to nearly 40 inland lakes -- I am pleased the governor has lifted restrictions and will now allow motorboat activity in Michigan."

"We have earned our ‘Great Lakes State’ moniker for a reason -- waterways are an essential part of our way of life,” Schroeder added.