DETROIT – Dining in at all Michigan restaurants and bars is prohibited for two weeks.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed an Executive Order implementing the new rule Monday as coronavirus spreads. Eateries can provide carryout, but for some businesses, that isn’t enough, and workers are feeling the fallout.
Detroit’s Grey Ghost can’t do carryout orders, so it was forced to close during this time, a move that is impacting 40 workers.
MORE: Coronavirus in Michigan: Here’s where we stand as of March 16
“Our staff means everything to us. Telling our staff we can’t work is something you never want to do,” said David Vermiglio, the CFO of Grey Ghost.
The high-end restaurant expects to lose $10,000 to $25,000 in inventory during its closure.
Another Detroit restaurant, Boulevard Cafe and Coney, is relying on carryout orders and curbside pickup.
“Less contact as possible for their safety and our safety because you don’t know who’s a carrier -- that’s the scary part,” said Pashka Ljuljgjuraj with Boulevard.
And it’s not just restaurants and bars impacted -- the Executive Order closes cafes, coffee houses, taverns, brewpubs, distilleries, clubs, movie theaters, indoor and outdoor performance venues, gymnasiums, fitness centers, recreation centers, indoor sports facilities, indoor exercise facilities, exercise studios, spas and casinos through March 30.
MORE: Here’s which Michigan counties have confirmed cases of coronavirus
How COVID-19 Spreads
Person-to-person spread
The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
- Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
- Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
Can someone spread the virus without being sick?
- People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest).
- Some spread might be possible before people show symptoms; there have been reports of this occurring with this new coronavirus, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
Spread from contact with contaminated surfaces or objects
It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
How easily the virus spreads
How easily a virus spreads from person-to-person can vary. Some viruses are highly contagious (spread easily), like measles, while other viruses do not spread as easily. Another factor is whether the spread is sustained, spreading continually without stopping.
Prevention & Treatment
There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
MORE: Beaumont Health launches coronavirus hotline for patients with symptoms
People who think they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider immediately.
Question about coronavirus? Ask Dr. McGeorge here.