How Coronavirus Is Impacting the Detroit Food and Beverage Industry

Even before the first cases of the novel coronavirus were confirmed in Michigan on March 10, Detroit’s food industry was already bracing for it’s impact on the local economy having watched other communities struggle to contain the spread. Many businesses and major event hubs such as the Eastern Market are implementing additional measures to reassure customers and staff that it’s safe to eat restaurant-prepared food. However, local businesses are already experiencing significant financial losses as catering orders and major events are cancelled.

On March 11, Governor Gretchen Whitmer called for Michiganders to avoid gatherings of 100 people or more to help contain the spread and protect the state’s most vulnerable populations from the virus. On March 16, the state implemented a ban on gatherings of 50 or more people and closed all restaurants for dine-in service. Check in below for updates, and for more details on the new coronavirus (COVID-19) visit the Centers for Disease Control website.