Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s decision to toughen rather than relax what already was one of the nation’s strictest stay-home orders in response to the coronavirus is hitting opposition in her home state, where Republicans who backed her moves initially are now ratcheting up their criticism. Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey took to Facebook to accuse the Democratic governor and vice presidential contender of “DESTROYING OUR HEALTH BY KILLING OUR LIVELIHOODS!” GOP lawmakers and allies in the business community say certain operations — golf courses, marinas, landscaping — can operate again if they adhere to social-distancing guidelines. Others in rural areas say the restrictions should no longer be imposed statewide when the virus is far more concentrated in the Detroit area.
