Monday, the city of Detroit will issue a public health order mandating grocery store workers be tested for coronavirus by May 11.
Now that the city has completed testing at Detroit’s nursing homes, Mayor Mike Duggan says grocery stores are the next front in the battle against COVID-19.
On Friday, Duggan said some grocery store owners have stepped up efforts to insure a safer environment for customers and their workers. But he says others have not.
“If you aren’t committed to the safety of your customers, I’m going to make sure you’re not able to continue operating in the city,” Duggan said on Friday. “Detroit residents deserve the highest quality of safety in their food.”
As of Sunday, Detroit has 8,613 cofirmeed cases of COVID-19 and 922 deaths.
The Michigan Retailers Association (MRA) says grocers have a strong commitment to the health and safety of their employees. MRA spokeswoman Meegan Holland says many employers are encouraging employees to get tested.
But Holland says what Mayor Duggan is advocating is inconsistent with guidance from DHHS.
"Unless Mayor Duggan can guarantee tests will be available, it will be difficult for grocers to have adequate staff while waiting for test results to meet the Mayor’s May 11 deadline," said Holland.
