Kalamazoo Times

Kalamazoo accepted Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s executive order to "Stay Home, Stay Safe," hoping for the best, as it takes part in a statewide effort to slow the spread of the new coronavirus.

The city continues to provide essential services, although its buildings are closed to the public. Employees who work in nonessential services are working from home. MLive listed public safety, water and sewer among those employees.

Retailers being forced to close down under the order have already suffered a decrease in business. Restaurants have closed their dining rooms, resorting to pick-up and delivery services only. All are hoping to ride out the storm through at least April 17.

The President and CEO of Discover Kalamazoo, Greg Ayers, said the economy will be hurt and the community may look different when things return to normal, according to MLive.

He said it could mean some businesses not surviving and asked residents to support these business, if possible. Given the impact to the economy, Mayor David Anderson sees the order as a double-edged sword. “Unfortunately, I do think [the stay-at-home order] is a good step,” he told MLive.