Detroit Businesses Plead for Stimulus Help Amid New Restrictions

Businesses will need financial help from the government to weather this period. “Without a second round of stimulus, I don’t see how we avoid a second round of closures,” says Crain’s Dustin Walsh.

As coronavirus cases surge nationwide and here in Michigan, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s administration is putting new restrictions on businesses and social gatherings. The restrictions will last three weeks starting on Wednesday.

“Without a second round of stimulus, I don’t see how we avoid a second round of closures.” Dustin Walsh, Crain’s Detroit Business.

Movie theaters and casinos must close, as well as indoor service at bars and restaurants. High school and college classes must be held virtually. Gyms will have to enforce distancing rules. Organized youth sports will be suspended for those three weeks.

Since March, more than 250,000 Michiganders have tested positive for COVID-19, and nearly 8,000 have died.


Listen: Dustin Walsh of Crain’s Detroit Business talks about the new restrictions and how businesses are reacting


Guest

Dustin Walsh covers economic issues for Crain’s Detroit Business. He says businesses will need financial help from the government to weather this period.

“Without a second round of stimulus, I don’t see how we avoid a second round of closures,” he says.

Avalon Bakery CEO Jackie Victor echoes that sentiment.

“I really do trust our governor,” she says. “We can open up all of our businesses again in 2021 — but only” if there is strong financial support from the government.

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