A lot of changes have been happening this month in Michigan to signify the end of the COVID pandemic. Late last week, a bipartisan agreement was reached between Michigan legislators and Gov. Whitmer to withdraw MIOSHA’s proposal to make certain COVID restrictions permanent. Whitmer also announced that there will no longer be restrictions on indoor or outdoor gatherings starting July 1.
Chuck Lippstreu, president of the Michigan Agri-Business Association, said this reflects the growing vaccination rate in the state.
“Our number one focus remains—making sure people have access and information related to the safe, effective COVID-19 vaccine,” he said. “We’ve got a little over 55 percent of the state vaccinated. It’s very important for anybody who is still thinking about going to get the vaccine, if you have questions or concerns, it’s important to know that there are answers out there and resources.”
Mask requirements for all will be lifted as well on July 1.
“I know that state government is going to continue to monitor what’s going on,” said Lippstreu. “I know the legislature is closely monitoring our progress, and we’re going to continue to work with leaders in Lansing to make sure we have a COVID response in place that makes sense, relative to the conditions on the ground. We’re also going to continue to promote the COVID vaccine to make sure we don’t have any resurgence.”
Michigan still ranks in the top 10 states for COVID cases. Lippstreu is confident that the state wouldn’t take steps to reopen if legislative leaders weren’t confident themselves.
“They also have been very clear—and we continue to be clear at the association with all of our folks out there in agriculture and rural communities—is that the best way to make sure all of this stick and we get through the emergency for once and all is to get the COVID-19 vaccine.”
Most local pharmacies, healthcare providers and health departments have vaccines available. For more information on vaccines, visit michgan.gov/covidvaccine.
