Gov. Whitmer says announcement on Michigan gyms coming 'very soon'
Paul EganLANSING — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer had no good news to announce Wednesday for owners of gyms, theaters and bowling alleys, and customers who are anxious to return to those venues amid the coronavirus pandemic.
However, "we'll be making some determinations in the very near future," and "I will have more to say on this topic very soon," Whitmer said at a news conference.
The Free Press reported Monday that Whitmer is expected to announce a reopening plan this week for gyms, theaters, bowling alleys and a few other facilities that have been ordered shuttered for more than five months.
Whitmer's comments Wednesday also referenced coaches, players and parents, suggesting the pending announcement could also cover sports such as high school soccer, swimming and football, which have been awaiting further guidance.
"COVID is still a very real threat all over our state. I am going to continue to treat it like that," Whitmer said.
She said she and her team are "working around the clock" to make sure every determination is based on the best available data and science.
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More:Whitmer on reopening gyms and theaters: 'I'm not going to be bullied'
On Aug. 25, Whitmer said she was "not going to be bullied" into reopening gyms or other facilities sooner than is safe to do so. That comment brought criticism from Republicans and others who wanted to know who Whitmer was accusing of bullying her and said affected businesses are hanging on by a thread and only looking for signs of hope.
Asked about that Wednesday, Whitmer said she understands the pressure businesses are under, as well as strong feelings and "legitimate anxieties," and did not identify anyone specific she believes is trying to bully her. She said she only meant she was not going to be pushed or encouraged "or tweeted at" to announce the reopening of any types of businesses before it is safe.
Critics said similar businesses have been open for weeks and longer in most other states, as well as in northern Michigan, and an announcement is long overdue, putting many at risk of permanent closure.
Andy Johnston, vice president of government relations for the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, said the lack of an announcement Wednesday was "very disappointing."
"We need Gov. Whitmer to find a path for these businesses," Johnston said on Twitter. "The need is dire and it is easy to forget what it takes to run a small business."
Laura Cox, chair of the Michigan Republican Party, said Whitmer must announce a reopening plan immediately.
"These are people's livelihoods you are destroying," Cox said to Whitmer on Twitter. "Stop giving people false hope and dragging your feet."
Whitmer said the deliberative approach the state has taken is one reason that Michigan, which was initially one of the states hardest hit by the coronavirus, is now in a relatively strong position compared with many other states.
Contact Paul Egan: 517-372-8660 or pegan@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @paulegan4. Read more on Michigan politics and sign up for our elections newsletter.