The Berrien County Board of Commissioners could sent a letter to the state asking that some COVID-19 restrictions be eased. During a Thursday meeting, Commissioner Julie Wuerfel said she wants to draft a letter that would be sent to the Legislature, governor, and other counties.
“The letter would be requesting MDHHS to go back to a regional approach that the governor used last summer regarding the restrictions and outlining the issues and implications related to us as a border community,” Wuerfel said.
Commissioner Ezra Scott said some northern Michigan counties have drafted letters stating they will not enforce COVID restrictions. Chair Mac Elliott said going that far would put the county health officer and sheriff in awkward positions, but he does see an issue with the way current restrictions have been put in place.
“The U.S. Court of Appeals said, ‘We’re not going to apply rational basis anymore. We’re going to adopt a new standard called rational speculation.’ So think about that. That means it’s wide open.”
Elliott said there’s no sunset on rules imposed by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. He added a letter drafted by the board should reflect Berrien County’s unique challenges as a border county. Elliott said restaurants south of the state line are getting the area’s customers while “it’s hard to find a rational, scientific basis to support what’s being done to our restaurants.” He asked Wuerfel to draft a letter that could be reviewed by commissioners by their next meeting.
