Lake Orion Restaurant opens the restaurant indoors, despite COVID-19 restrictions

LAKE ORION, Mich. – Michigan has restricted COVID-19 restrictions to several indoor locations, including casinos, bowling alleys and cinemas, but indoor dining at restaurants is not yet allowed.

In fact, the updated order from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services did not change the restrictions on restaurants at all.

MORE: Here’s everything reopening under the revised COVID-19 order in Michigan

Despite the fact that it can only remain open for transport in accordance with current orders, a restaurant on Lake Orion defies order by resuming its indoor dining services.

The Times Square restaurant was busy. Owner Kelly Luchkovitc said the restaurant has been waiting for customers all day.

“Something has to offer,” Luchkovitc said. “These bills must be paid or we will be on the streets.

Luchkovitc has been in Times Square for 12 years. She said she opened the gates because casinos and cinemas are allowed to open. Although the new order has a closed concession and masks are needed.

“It ruins our lives,” Luchkovitc said. “I do not understand why some people can go here, some can go there. Everything is fine, but isn’t it to come to the restaurant? “

READ: When could Michigan restaurants reopen? Why are they still closed while other places are not?

The director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Robert Gordon, said that the reason the concession stands are closed is to prevent any reason for someone to take off their mask inside.

“There will be no changes to the settings with the highest risk of indoor bars and restaurants where masks are necessarily removed,” Gordon said.

Customers agree with Luchkovitc.

“Do you want to live behind protected doors for the rest of your years or do you want to go out and live that normal life that everyone can?” Matt Denoer asked.

“This has gone beyond ridicule,” said Dick Barker. “I’m glad Kelly made her place.”

Governor Gretchen Whitmer presented the science behind the November ban, citing several studies that have shown an increase in the spread of COVID-19 and indoor dining.

“Businesses that are places where people gather in different households and take off their masks – such as places to eat or drink – are in unique danger right now,” Whitmer said. “It’s not the restaurant’s fault. It’s not the bar’s fault. It’s not our fault. It’s just the nature of COVID-19. “

Luchkovitc said he understood the risk, but said it should be up to individuals to choose whether to put themselves in danger.

“If you feel comfortable entering here, who are you, say no when you can go to all these other places?” Luchkovitc said.

Health experts have repeatedly pushed against the idea of ​​putting people at risk, as the virus can spread to people who would not have chosen to take the risk, but for Luchkovitc it is a risk he is willing to take. take.

“We don’t want bad things to happen, but we have to survive,” she said.

Local 4, Hank Winchester, asked Governor Gretchen Whitmer about restaurants during the COVID-19 session.

“We know our restaurants are suffering right now and it’s not their fault that COVID-19 has spread so far across the country and in our state,” Whitmer said.

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