Shelby Review

There has been much debate over the shutdowns and restrictions that have been instituted in Michigan and around the rest of the country.

The shutdowns have been put into place in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in an attempt to slow the spread of the virus. However, with increased insight and access to data about the coronavirus, we are learning that the effectiveness of the shutdowns might actually be up for debate. What was once thought of as a surefire method to slow the spread could actually be ineffectual and inefficient. 

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Director Robert Gordon took the opportunity to point out that Michigan's cases were lower than, for example, Ohio, which has been less strict on lockdowns. Gordon touted these numbers as proof that the lockdowns and restrictions on indoor dining and other activities were effective in fighting the spread of the virus.

However, a recent analysis by Bridge Michigan has found that this may not be the case. Specifically, criticism is being aimed at the ban on indoor dining at restaurants and bars. To date, it doesn't appear that states that have banned indoor dining are in any better situation than states that have not. 

This is seen in the Great Lakes region, where Michigan is experiencing similar numbers of cases as Wisconsin, which has not banned indoor dining.

Though Michigan is in a far better situation than states that have not taken any action at all in terms of restrictions and mask mandates, it is in no better situation than other states with similar restrictions, but without a ban on indoor dining. In addition, the economic impact of the bans on indoor dining have been massive, with more people being laid off in Michigan than any other comparable state, according to Michigan.gov.

Lindsey Leininger, clinical professor of business administration at the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College, told Bridge Michigan, “To attribute cause and effect is a tough thing to do.”

The debate is sure to rage on as people lose their jobs and the virus continues to spread over the coming months.