To the editor:

For the record concerning the Baraga County manifesto signed by our local elected officials: MDHHS restrictions related to COVID-19 (based on 1918 Spanish Flu enacted state laws) have not been ruled unconstitutional by the Michigan Supreme Court.

And here is what the last two months of COVID -19 restrictions have accomplished:

Cases: Michigan averaged 64 new daily cases for every 100,000 people in early December, roughly 6,400 a day, the 35th highest rate in the country. The rate has fallen by nearly half to 35 daily cases this week. Only three states have lower rates.

Hospitalizations: Michigan had over 4,000 COVID-19 patients in state hospitals in early December, when its rate per million put it 22nd in the country. The state now has fewer than 2,400 in hospitals and ranks 35th in COVID-19 patients per million.

Testing: In early December, an average of 12.3 percent of all coronavirus tests were positive, the 25th highest rate in the country. It’s now at 9.3 percent, good for 39th. (Source: Bridge Michigan)

But, yes, local restaurant owners deserve our support. At least since last August/September they and other small businesses have needed, and still need, additional stimulus payments, no-pay-back loans, and tax breaks to compensate for COVID-19 restrictions.

I trust the manifesto signers are fully behind the new 2021 US Congressional Stimulus COVID-19 Rescue Act, which besides offering additional and improved support for small businesses, includes the added stimulus payment of $1400 for all individuals with incomes under $75,000. A County Commission resolution supporting the 2021 COVID-19 Recue Bill is what is needed.

In America we can do both: protect public health–save lives AND support our local economy and small businesses.