Michigan bars and restaurants must now collect names and phone numbers of customers for COVID-19 contact tracing under an extended epidemic order.
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— WXYZ Detroit (@wxyzdetroit) October 29, 2020
Michigan restaurants will be required to record the names and phone numbers of all of their patrons starting today.
The edict was issued by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services on Thursday. Its aim is to aid in contact tracing and case investigation efforts.
“All dine-in food service establishments must maintain accurate records of the names and phone numbers of patrons who purchase food for consumption on the premises, and the date and time of entry,” the order reads.
The new rule also limits non-residential indoor gatherings to 50 people.
“We are taking targeted actions via the order to address areas that are particularly severe sources of spread, and we are issuing guidance that is a very clear road map for what we need to do bring cases down,” said Robert Gordon, the director of the Department of Health and Human Services.
According to Michigan’s majority leader of the state senate, Mike Shirley (R), the action was taken without consultation by Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D).
“Earlier this week, Speaker @LeeChatfield and I again reached out to @GovWhitmer, asking her to work with us to combat our recent COVID-19 surge. Instead of taking us up on this offer, she has once again chosen to go it alone,” Shirkey posted on Twitter.
Earlier this week, Speaker @LeeChatfield and I again reached out to @GovWhitmer, asking her to work with us to combat our recent COVID-19 surge. Instead of taking us up on this offer, she has once again chosen to go it alone. https://t.co/SUF7ZYe76E
— Sen. Mike Shirkey (@SenMikeShirkey) October 29, 2020