Having food delivered is one way to avoid eating indoors at restaurants, which is considered a "high-risk activity" during the COVID-19 pandemic. | Adobe Stock
Having food delivered is one way to avoid eating indoors at restaurants, which is considered a "high-risk activity" during the COVID-19 pandemic. | Adobe Stock
Since the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services' COVID-19 restrictions have been in effect for Michigan, director Robert Gordon has commended the state for its lower case numbers in relation to other states.
One point of comparison is Michigan's lower case count when compared with Ohio. Though the two states had similar counts in late October, Michigan's transmissions have lowered significantly when compared to its neighbor. Gordon attributes this success to the various measures put in place for the state, including indoor dining restrictions and the closure of businesses like bowling alleys and movie theaters.
Ohio, meanwhile, has a 10 p.m. curfew, but there are no bans for indoor dining or closures of businesses. Michigan and Minnesota have similar restrictions for indoor dining, and they also share the lowest infection rates in the region, at 405 and 443 people per 1 million daily, respectively, according to Bridge Michigan.
Along with public health, the second balancing act that many state legislators are navigating is the economic impact of such restrictions. In this regard, Michigan is tied with Illinois for the highest unemployment rate in the Great Lakes region, sitting at 6.9%. The lowest unemployment is in Minnesota at 4.4%, with Ohio falling in the middle at 5.7%.
The correlation between infection rates and indoor dining bans is difficult to measure, as many have opted to purchase food for takeout or delivery, thereby avoiding indoor restaurants without any issued mandate.
University of Michigan research specialist Don Grimes discussed the difficult balance between the economy and public health. “There is definitely a tradeoff between restricting activity and the labor market situation. The question for policymakers is whether or not it's worth it, because of the lives and illnesses saved,” he told Bridge Michigan. Grimes also believes that restaurants have been the most affected by state restrictions.
A recent $465 million COVID-19 relief package passed by Michigan legislators aims to support those who've lost jobs in the service industry, but the connection between jobs and COVID-19 cases will continue to be a difficult road to navigate in the coming months.
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