Michigan businesses ask Whitmer to reopen offices for in-person work

LANSING, Mich. - Business groups on Thursday urged Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to let employers reopen their offices for in-person work during the coronavirus pandemic rather than extend a restriction set to expire in mid-April.

While restrictions on most industries have been lifted or reduced around the state, work done in offices that can be completed at home is still not allowed.

In October, after a court ruling upended the Democratic governor's orders, the Michigan Occupational Safety and Administration issued six-month emergency rules to keep intact a requirement that employers prohibit in-person work to the extent that employees' activities can feasibly be completed remotely.

Leaders of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce and seven local chambers pointed to a decline in COVID-19 case rates in recent months and said manufacturers, heath providers and other businesses have shown in-person work is safe.

Whitmer this week announced the formation of a workgroup to assess and make recommendations for a phased return to office work.

While restrictions on most industries have been lifted or reduced around the state, work done in offices that can be completed at home is still not allowed.

Daily case rates have been on a gradual decline since November and the positive test rate is hovering around 3.5%.