Novi Times

As the state of Michigan combats the newest surge in COVID-19 cases, the debate is continuing about the effectiveness of the ongoing health mandates and restrictions.

There has been a noted decline in coronavirus case numbers compared to Ohio, despite the two states having similar numbers in October, Bridge Michigan reported. This is seen as an indicator of the effectiveness of state actions, which has been touted by Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Director Robert Gordon, but it's not clear to everyone.

The evidence warrants further investigation through tools such as cell-phone data, rates of infection, economic indicators and restrictions down to the county level. These will undoubtedly be pored over in the future, but the answers are needed now, even with the promise of the vaccine. As Gordon and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer continue speaking about the state’s success, others focus on the price paid to the economy.

Sen. Mike Shirkey | #MiSenateGOP

Michigan Republicans are looking to focus on specific local measures, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

“Use targeted actions. Fine-tuned messaging. Loud. Consistent. Informing, inspiring and encouraging,” Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey (R-Clarklake) told Bridge Michigan. “No more blunt force instruments.”

One common question is the extent business restrictions can play on stemming the tide of the COVID-19 pandemic. On the one hand, Michigan has the lowest seven-day average of new cases per 1 million compared to other neighboring states. On the other hand, Michigan has the highest jobless rates in the region, and those other states are experiencing declines in their positive case rate; that includes states with fewer restrictions.

Tennessee and California are currently struggling with the highest infection rates in the country. California has enacted mask mandates and a ban on indoor dining and bars. Tennessee has done none of those things, but the states have comparative hospitalization numbers.

There is also the question of the effectiveness of indoor-dining bans.

“That’s the million-dollar question,” 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.”

Michigan has approved a $465 million COVID-19 relief package, providing assistance to businesses hardest hit, such as restaurants. Workers laid off because of health restrictions will receive $1,650.

Leininger believes it will take time to truly know what worked and what didn't, but she did give credit to government officials for their efforts. “But in reality, it’s like a bush pilot in a storm trying to avoid a crash landing with some controls that may or may not work,” Leininger told Bridge Michigan. “Governors and other leaders [are] trying to do everything not to crash the plane.”