Michigan’s small businesses have been hit the hardest 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 2020 pandemic shows that 32.04% of Michigan’s private-sector businesses have had to close as a result of 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 30.43%. South Dakota had the lowest percentage at 5.83%. The average for the nation was 18.74%, according to Michigan Capitol Confidential.
In response to surging numbers of coronavirus 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.
The order concerning restaurants and bars is now scheduled to run through Friday, Jan. 15.
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