Health

Duggan optimistic as Detroit slowly reopens

May 23, 2020, 7:45 AM

Tuesday will see the first Detroit businesses open their doors, following Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's guidelines for slowly bringing the state back from Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns. Mayor Mike Duggan says he's optimistic that if all goes well, restaurants can begin serving customers within two weeks.

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Mayor Duggan at an earlier briefing. (File photo)

The Free Press reports from Duggan's Friday press briefing:

Next week's reopening won't include restaurants, bars, salons, theaters or other entertainment venues. But the mayor said he's optimistic that with strong compliance to mandated safety standards, Detroit's COVID-19 infection rate will continue to decline, and more lockdown easing will follow.

“If we do this right, in a couple of weeks we’re going to be talking about reopening the restaurants," said Duggan, speaking at his daily media briefing. He said city officials are exploring expanded outdoor dining areas for restaurants, including adjacent street closures where possible.

Requirements for the retail reopening that will start Tuesday include personal protective equipment for workers, which for now is available free to businesses via the public-private partnership Detroit Means Business. Businesses can request PPE through the initiative's website or by calling 844-333-8249, and equipment will be distributed at Eastern Market.

Businesses reopening on Tuesday will require customers wear masks, observe social distancing, make appointments to shop (which can be done onsite) to reduce crowding, and install plexiglass or other barriers at checkout stations. 


Read more:  Detroit Free Press


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