More than 32% of Michigan’s private-sector businesses have been closed by government-ordered lockdowns and restrictions. | Pixabay
More than 32% of Michigan’s private-sector businesses have been closed by government-ordered lockdowns and restrictions. | Pixabay
Michigan’s small businesses have been hit hardest in the nation by the government's COVID-19 response, according to Michigan Capitol Confidential.
A survey by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, reporting on the experiences of businesses during the coronavirus pandemic, shows that more than 32% of Michigan’s private-sector businesses have been closed by government-ordered lockdowns and restrictions — the highest number of business closures in the nation.
Pennsylvania had the second-highest rate of closed businesses as a result of government lockdowns at more than 30%. South Dakota, on the other end of the scale, had the lowest percentage at just under 6%. The average for the nation was almost 19%, according to information from Michigan Capitol Confidential.
In response to surging numbers of COVID-19 cases, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer implemented orders on Nov. 18 that shuttered indoor dining for bars and restaurants, closed in-person learning for high schools and also put limits on group sizes at private social gatherings, according to Michigan.gov. Restrictions were placed on group activities and casinos, and movie theaters and bowling alleys were ordered to close.
Those orders are scheduled to run through Friday, Jan. 15.
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