State Rep. Mary Whiteford today said West Michigan is ready to reopen for business.

Whiteford, a registered nurse, said the number of COVID-related deaths across Michigan are dwindling to the lowest reported numbers the state has seen in weeks.

“The goal was to flatten the curve, and we have achieved that goal,” said Whiteford, chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services. “It’s time to get 1.5 million displaced Michigan workers back to their jobs and back on the payroll so they can pay their bills and put food on the table for their families.”

Whiteford also noted that Allegan County hospitals, and hospitals across West Michigan, have more than enough available capacity, which was among Gov. Whitmer’s reasons for statewide shut down. Furthermore, Whiteford stated that the field hospitals that the state spent tens of millions of dollars to erect went largely unused.

Gov. Whitmer announced Monday she will permit some businesses in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and in parts of Northern Michigan to reopen, Whiteford, of Casco Township, said Allegan County should have been reopened long ago as well.

“I’ve spoken with dozens of small-business owners and job providers who are on the brink of permanent closure,” Whiteford said. “That will have a detrimental impact on our communities. They must be permitted to open up shop before it’s too late.”

###