On April 9, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued an expansion of a previously announced “Stay Home, Stay Safe” Executive Order (EO). The EO provides additional protections for Michigan citizens and workers through April 30, 2020.

The expanded EO contains physical space limitations by retail store size. The intent is to ensure social distancing protocols are mandated in a store density environment to safely accommodate as many citizens as possible.

As part of the large store restrictions, the Governor proposes restricting advertising in large stores:

“By April 13, 2020, refrain from the advertising or promotion of goods that are not groceries, medical supplies, or items that are necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation, and basic operation of residences.”

Some advertising trade groups have been supportive of the overall health goals and protections outlined in the EO, but some question the inclusion of the advertising provision, as potentially doing more harm than good.