Whitmer extends Michigan's stay-at-home order but relaxes some restrictions

Whitmer, a Democrat whose national profile has risen in recent months, has been under heavy pressure from Republicans and conservatives in her state to ease the stay-at-home guidelines, which are among the strictest in the nation.

“With new Covid-19 cases leveling off, however, we are lifting some of the restrictions put in place in the previous order. I want to be crystal clear: the overarching message today is still the same. We must all do our part by staying home and staying safe as much as possible,” Whitmer said in press release announcing the new statewide directive.

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The Democratic governor’s order says people are now required to wear face coverings in enclosed public spaces such as grocery stores if they can medically tolerate it.

The order will also allow landscapers, lawn-service companies, plant nurseries and bike repair shops to resume operating, subject to social-distancing rules. Big-box retailers will no longer have to close off garden centers and areas dedicated to selling paint and carpet.

The new executive order is designed to help combat the coronavirus pandemic. It immediately replaces one that was scheduled to expire next week.

Whitmer is expected to hold a press conference later Friday morning.

This story is breaking and will be updated.

source: cnn.com