Michigan companies fear restrictions as COVID numbers increase

Governor Gretchen Whitmer said she is not actively considering new restrictions as COVID cases continue to rise in the state.

March 26, 2021: Michigan coronavirus cases up to 647,899; The death toll is now at 16,004

For companies operating at 50% capacity, the increase in numbers is a cause for concern.

“I mean, in terms of increasing the number, it’s scary,” said Nick Waligora, manager at Pitaya. “No one wants to hear that, especially with the circulating vaccine.”

Speaking Thursday at the Michigan Chronicle’s Pancakes and Politics event, Whitmer pointed out that many have made masks and social distancing a part of their routine.

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“This is different from the spring wave or even the fall wave: now we know a lot more about our common enemy COVID-19,” Whitmer said. “So we managed to take a more nuanced attack to keep people safe and re-engage sectors of our economy.”

And when it comes to vaccine distribution, 3.6 million Michiganders have had at least one stroke and 16.5% of our population has had both.

“In terms of increasing cases, the number of people vaccinated is also increasing,” said Joel Padilla.

Padilla said his family and staff at Taqueria El Nacimiento in Detroit were completely vaccinated. Although safety is paramount, he hopes that capacity will not be reduced.

“50% of our staff is almost out of work because the waitresses depend on the tables,” Padilla said.

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He believes that the emphasis should be on increasing the distribution of vaccines, rather than increasing restrictions.

READ: Michigan COVID-19 Vaccinations: How to Find Dates, Phase Information

“As long as we move forward with vaccinating everyone, so that we can reach the herd’s immunity, return to normal and return to reality,” agreed Waligora.