house Resolution No.249
Rep. Love offered the following resolution:
Whereas, SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes
coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), can stay viable in aerosols and on
surfaces between several hours and several days. Because the virus is viable
for up to 72 hours on plastics and stainless steel, nearly 24 hours on
cardboard, and nearly 4 hours on copper, business owners must encourage healthy
hygiene habits and other protective measures to minimize the spread of the
virus and keep the customers who patronize their establishments safe; and
Whereas, The novel coronavirus has spread across almost the entire world over the past three months, infecting more than 2.5 million people. The virus has continued to spread and has infected more than 800,000 people in the United States and killed more than 44,000. The proliferation of the virus has given rise to a significant number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Michigan, heavily impacting areas such as Detroit and Oakland County. Therefore, companies must play a part in reducing and retarding the growth of the virus in Michigan by not risking human lives more than necessary; and
Whereas, The virus is detectable in aerosols for at least three hours and is spread by clinging to small droplets of moisture from the upper respiratory system, which are expelled when people cough, sneeze, and talk. Small droplets emitted from the mouth and nose may travel much farther than 6 feet, depending on the ventilation in the room. People spending time together in close proximity may be exposed to these small droplets, and for many people, their greatest contact with others may occur when transacting business; and
Whereas, Business owners have an obligation to protect their customers from illness and limit their own legal liability. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce claims that a wave of personal injury cases related to COVID-19 could bankrupt businesses. Businesses that are open during the pandemic face the risk of lawsuits for negligence due to a lack of reasonable precautions; and
Whereas, There are many things that businesses can do to limit litigation and ensure a greater degree of safety for customers. Measures, such as social distancing and testing, are already being used to combat the virus. However, in light of the new developments about how the virus spreads, the use of other preventative techniques to save lives must be employed by these establishments. For the general public, reasonable precautions like the use of a cloth face cover, which captures droplets and prevents them from being spread into the environment, is recommended by the White House Task Force and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to prevent the transmission of the virus from an infected person; and
Whereas, Businesses in Michigan should follow the lead of those in other states, such as Pennsylvania, California, Rhode Island, and some parts of Texas, that have adopted policies requiring the use of masks and/or gloves in order to receive service. Such a requirement will help slow the spread of the virus and limit the potential liability businesses face at a time when the economy is already struggling; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we urge businesses that interact with the public to adopt a "no gloves and/or no mask, no services" policy during the COVID-19 pandemic; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Michigan Chamber of Commerce.