Ann Arbor Times

Last week, Michigan entered a three-week shutdown period for indoor bars, pubs and restaurant dining rooms, as well as in-person high school and college classes, following a new order that also targeted movie theaters, casinos and other public places.

The Gatherings and Face Mask Order, issued Nov. 15 by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Director (MDHHS) Robert Gordon, took effect last Wednesday and also ordered closure or restrictions of bowling alleys, high school sporting events, fitness centers, workplaces and other institutions.

"To protect vulnerable individuals, ensure the health care system can provide care for all health issues and prevent spread in schools during the influenza season, we must reduce the spread of COVID-19," Gordon said in his order. "This necessitates use of more forceful mitigation techniques to reduce the spread of the virus. As such, it is necessary to issue orders under the Public Health Code addressing these topics."

Robert Gordon, Director MDHHS | Michigan.gov

The situation now is much more serious than in previous shutdown, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in during a news conference shortly after the order was issued, according to the Detroit Free Press.

"We are in the worst moment of this pandemic to date," Whitmer said, according to the Detroit Free Press. "The situation has never been more dire. We are at the precipice and we need to take some action, because as the weather gets colder and people spend more time indoors, this virus will spread."

White House coronavirus adviser Scott Atlas told people to  "rise up" against the latest Michigan shutdown order, saying "You get what you accept," according to the Detroit Free Press.

Atlas was widely criticized for his comments, including in a Washington Post op-ed piece, which called for President Donald Trump's adviser to be fired.

Meanwhile, Michigan groups and lawmakers have responded to the latest shutdown order. Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) suspended all fall tournaments, practices and competitions that had been scheduled for the coming weeks, as well as football, volleyball, swimming and diving, for at least the duration of Gordon's order.

"We understand the need for action, and we will explore all options to complete our fall tournaments when restrictions are lifted," MHSAA Executive Director Mark Uyl said, according to Second Half. "We will assess everything over the next three weeks relative to fall and winter sports and come up with a plan that keeps us connected to our goal, for months, of having three seasons that are played to their conclusions."

The Michigan Association of State Universities (MASU) issued a statement, on its behalf and other higher education groups, praising the order, calling it "necessary" and and saying that the state's colleges and universities "will revert to many of the tactics used earlier this year to crush the caseload curve."

"Many of our member colleges are in communities that are struggling with hospital capacity due to the recent resurgence of the pandemic," said Michigan Community College Association President Mike Hansen in the MASU statement. "We are ready to do our part to help curb the spread of COVID-19."

Republican lawmakers, however, were critical of the order, saying Whitmer was ignoring their suggestions.

"We are disappointed that Gov. Whitmer chose to go it alone, again," Michigan Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey (R-Clarklake) told MiSenateGOP.  "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."