Starting Monday morning, auto suppliers and the manufacturing sector are back to work, per Governor Gretchen Whitmer's latest executive order.
Whitmer said that while Michigan is not out of the woods, it's an important step towards getting back to normal.
"This is truly good news for our state," Whitmer said. "It's a major step forward on our MI Safe Start Plan to reengage our economy safely and responsibly."
Through the MI Safe Start Plan, returning workers must go through daily health screenings and will also be trained on the transmission and symptoms of the virus.
Workers must follow strict safety measures, including wearing masks when they can't maintain six feet of separation and should consider face shields if they have to work closer to someone else.
Workers will have their temperature checked and there must be dedicated entry points at each facility to limit contact.
"Manufacturing is an important part of our economy and as we've done the risk assessment, I feel comfortable that with these safety protocols, we can safely reengage," Whitmer said.
For the Big 3, this means some workers will be on the job before the anticipated May 18 restart of produciton.
General Motors is calling back skilled trades and salary workers at three of its facilities in upstate New York, Ohio and Ontario.
Ford says its North American parts depots will resume operations Monday.
Additional Coronavirus information and resources:
Click here for a page with resources including a COVID-19 overview from the CDC, details on cases in Michigan, a timeline of Governor Gretchen Whitmer's orders since the outbreak, coronavirus' impact on Southeast Michigan, and links to more information from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the CDC and the WHO.
View a global coronavirus tracker with data from Johns Hopkins University.
Find out how you can help businesses and restaurants struggling during the pandemic.
Also, get information about Rebound Mid Michigan, with stories, information and more about coming back from COVID-19
Join the Rebound Mid Michigan Facebook Group.
See complete coverage on our Coronavirus Continuing Coverage page.
