An Executive Order outlining revised COVID-19 employee protections was signed late last week. The revision addresses concerns that were voiced by business owners as to the expanded definition of symptoms in the previous order.
Brian Calley, former Lieutenant Governor and President of the Small Business Association of Michigan, said, “As we had anticipated, the Governor has issued a new executive order to replace EO 2020-166, which we had concerns with.”
The new order clears up confusion over the need to stay home with symptoms from known medical conditions as required in the previous order. According to Executive Order 2020-172, the possible COVID symptoms include a fever, an uncontrolled cough, and shortness of breath; or at least two of the following not explained by a known medical or physical condition: loss of taste or smell, muscle aches (“myalgia”), sore throat, severe headache, diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
Governor Whitmer said that the order was necessary as the $600 unemployment benefit was running out and workers may be inclined to go to work sick.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
