Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared Sunday night that the state will effectively enter lockdown again, announcing several directives that must be adhered to by businesses and individuals.

 

The Detroit News noted that “The new policies will temporarily halt in-person instruction at high schools and colleges, dine-in service at restaurants and bars, and high school athletics as well as close some businesses, including movie theaters, bowling alleys and casinos.”

Under the order, indoor residential gatherings will also be limited to two households at any one time.

 

Join us live. https://t.co/5Qbq6wqjZy

— Governor Gretchen Whitmer (@GovWhitmer) November 15, 2020

 

The restrictions will take effect this Wednesday, and will be in place until Dec. 8th, according to the report.

 

Whitmer described the lockdown as a “three-week pause”:

 

Tonight, @MichiganHHS issued an emergency order that enacts a three-week pause, targeting indoor social gatherings and other group activities to curb our state’s rising #COVID19 infection rates. pic.twitter.com/yEc0enVPBX

— Governor Gretchen Whitmer (@GovWhitmer) November 16, 2020

 

Republicans in Michigan responded to the order, saying that they are “disappointed” that Whitmer is again circumventing the state Senate and House:

 

Republican state Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey responds to the governor’s new orders:

“We are disappointed that Gov. Whitmer chose to go it alone, again.” https://t.co/G7ZXoiRzHR

— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) November 15, 2020

 

“We are disappointed that Gov. Whitmer chose to go it alone, again. The Senate Republicans will continue working with our doctors and the medical community on ways we can combat this virus and are ready to work with the Governor when she decides to work as a team to fight this virus,” said Republican state Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey.

 

House Speaker Lee Chatfield (R) said, “The people of Michigan deserve a seat at the table when major decisions like these are made, and those decisions are made better and safer when they do.”

 

“As always, we stand ready to act in a bipartisan way when the governor decides it is worth her time. Until then, we are still reviewing the details of this order like everyone else,” Chatfield added.

 

Whitmer was reportedly Joe Biden’s first pick for Vice President before he was strong armed into choosing Kamala Harris.

 

The governor has become highly unpopular among a large portion of voters due to her draconian coronavirus lockdown policies.

 

Among other questionable actions, the governor used the State’s emergency alert system to order residents to wear face masks, after issuing an executive order mandating the masks.

 

Whitmer also called small business owners “racist” and “neo Nazis” for protesting her lockdown orders.