Graham Jaehnig/Daily Mining Gazette A sign outside the Ambassador Restaurant in Houghton is typical of those posted across Michigan.

HOUGHTON — The state’s Covid-19-related health orders, which have already had a disastrous impact on Michigan, have been extended through Jan. 31, and establishment owners are trying to hang on. What began Nov. 18, 2020, as a “three-week pause,” is now dragging into its ninth week.

While most restaurants and bars in the Copper Country continue to adhere the state’s emergency health orders, a Jan. 11 release from the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) stated that Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Attorney General Dana Nessel and other state officials issued statements highly commending bar and restaurant owners for their ongoing compliance with the state’s COVID-19-related emergency health orders, prohibiting them from permitting indoor dining and gatherings, which were defined by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Gathering and Face Mask orders.

Whitmer in the release said that bar and restaurant owners have made incredible sacrifices over the past 10 months, but some local owners have commented that the it has the been the employees, more than the owners, who have borne the brunt of the impact.

Daryll Williams, co-owner and manager of Gino’s in Hancock, said there has definitely been a significant loss of business with take-out only, but the health orders have had the hardest impact on his employees.

“The worst part about it is the employees aren’t getting — they’re the ones who are really getting screwed. We just cut staff and we can keep going with take-out orders or whatever, but then, they’re not working, so then what do you do?”

The Loading Zone II Bar & Grill, in Lake Linden reported a similar scenario, commenting that, of course, they have seen a significant drop in business, but the establishment is following the orders and continues to be able to pay the bills and keep the lights on, but they have had to let staff go.

They are not alone.

Recent employment data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the state’s hospitality industry is operating with 33% fewer employees than it was at the same time last year, but they are still trying to make it work. Rep. Ben Frederick (R), from downstate Owosso, does not see a way that they can.

ABC 12 (WJRT, Flint) in Jan. 11article, stated that Frederick sent a letter to Whitmer on Monday imploring her to end the restrictions MDHHS put into effect on Nov. 18. The epidemic order was extended twice and is scheduled to end Friday.

Frederick argued that the explanation and studies that state health officials use to support the indoor dining ban are insufficient, the article states.

He said, “the studies are based on speculation and assumptions, which don’t definitively link confirmed COVID-19 illness to restaurants.”

Fredericks pointed to statistics from the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association showing that 2,000 restaurants have closed permanently due to coronavirus restrictions and thousands more “are hanging on by a thread.”

On Tuesday, the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association Educational Foundation announced grants from the state of Michigan for people impacted by the state’s COVID-19 emergency orders. Employees in hospitality, entertainment, recreation, accommodation and food services sectors may receive one-time grants up to $1,650 if they were impacted by the order that took effect Nov. 18, according to the announcement.

The Employee Assistance Grants were made available by Senate Bill 748, and are designed to provide support to employees impacted by the MDHHS Gathering and Face Mask Order that took effect on Nov. 18, 2020. The Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association Educational Foundation is administering this grant program. Applications are open for submission Jan. 15 at 9 a.m. until Jan. 25 at 5 p.m.