West Central Michigan News

Sen. Curt VanderWall (R-Ludington) wrote a letter regarding commonsense COVID-19 practices that he posted on MiSenateGOP.

He acknowledged the commonsense practices used by residents across the state. This includes washing hands with antibacterial soap and using warm, soapy water, social distancing of 6 feet or more, wearing masks when doing essential activities in public and staying home as much as possible.

Gov. Whitmer extended the stay-at-home order from April 30 to May 15.

Many Michigan residents have began to work from home in order to avoid contact with and spread of the virus. But those who are deemed essential employees continue to return to the workplace. Many places of employment are supplying necessary, commonsense safeguards such as hand sanitizer.

VanderWall criticizes some of the decisions made by the governor. He points out that gardens, nurseries and garden centers have been closed. He wrote, “Many people rely on home gardens to sustain them; this was a dangerous decision by the governor.”

There is also a conflict in the number of essential workers, such as those who are doing construction work or landscapers providing necessary services to maintain the safety and cleanliness of an area. It differs from a list released on March 19 by U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

He said that “18 of the other 26 states relying on these guidelines” have opened the previously stated areas of business, including border neighbors Indiana and Ohio.

VanderWall points out the contradiction and potential safety issues involved. While trails remain open, Whitmer did not allow the Friends of the White Pine Trail to do its regular maintenance.

Normally, the 60-mile-long trail is swept after the winter. The group doing the cleaning receives compensation from the Department of Natural Resources. However, they were not allowed to do so, even after offering to volunteer, although the order allows “the maintenance of safe and sanitary public parks so as to allow for outdoor activity permitted under this order.”

VanderWall said in his letter that Whitmer should not overlook safety concerns.