Drummond Island Tourism Association
TRAVEL ADVISORY
Michigan's state of emergency and stay-at-home order are both in effect until May 28.
Updated May 20, 2020
On March 23, 2020, Governor Whitmer issued a “Stay Home, Stay Safe” Executive Order, directing non-essential businesses to temporarily close and all Michiganders to stay home or, when necessary to exit the home, maintain a distance of six feet away from others.
The order took effect beginning Tuesday, March 24 and was scheduled to last through the evening of Monday, April 13. On Thursday, April 9, 2020 Governor Whitmer signed executive order 2020-42, extending her prior "Stay Home, Stay Safe order through the end of April. On April 24, 2020 Governor Whitmer signed executive order 2020-59, extending her "Stay Home, Stay Safe, order through May 15. In addition to encouraging The new order will require people to wear homemade face coverings when they enter enclosed public spaces. The order eased up on some restrictions on members of the public and now allows motorized boating, golf (but no golf carts), and activities consistent with sound social distancing. It also permits individuals to travel between their residences, though such travel during the executive order is strongly discouraged. On May 7, 2020 executive order 2020-77 extended period to May 28, 2020.
What are essential services?
At this time, we are following the guidelines issued by Governor Whitmer regarding the services deemed essential for the duration of this “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order. Essential infrastructure workers include the following sectors:
Are businesses open?
How will ferry transportation be impacted?
Can I still access Drummond Island via private air or water travel?
Can we still visit Drummond Island for the day to hike or trail ride?
Will this advisory be extended past May 28?
Is my trip to Drummond Island this summer canceled?
Have events been canceled or rescheduled?
If I’ve already booked reservations, tours, etc., will I be reimbursed?
State of Michigan Department of Public Health & Safety: https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus
US Travel Association: https://www.ustravel.org/toolkit/emergency-preparedness-and-response-coronavirus-covid-19?
On March 23, 2020, Governor Whitmer issued a “Stay Home, Stay Safe” Executive Order, directing non-essential businesses to temporarily close and all Michiganders to stay home or, when necessary to exit the home, maintain a distance of six feet away from others.
The order took effect beginning Tuesday, March 24 and was scheduled to last through the evening of Monday, April 13. On Thursday, April 9, 2020 Governor Whitmer signed executive order 2020-42, extending her prior "Stay Home, Stay Safe order through the end of April. On April 24, 2020 Governor Whitmer signed executive order 2020-59, extending her "Stay Home, Stay Safe, order through May 15. In addition to encouraging The new order will require people to wear homemade face coverings when they enter enclosed public spaces. The order eased up on some restrictions on members of the public and now allows motorized boating, golf (but no golf carts), and activities consistent with sound social distancing. It also permits individuals to travel between their residences, though such travel during the executive order is strongly discouraged. On May 7, 2020 executive order 2020-77 extended period to May 28, 2020.
What are essential services?
At this time, we are following the guidelines issued by Governor Whitmer regarding the services deemed essential for the duration of this “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order. Essential infrastructure workers include the following sectors:
- Health care and public health
- Law enforcement, public safety, and first responders
- Food and agriculture, including delivery and carry-out
- Energy
- Water and wastewater
- Transportation and logistics
- Public works
- Communications and information technology, including news media
- Other community-based government operations and essential functions
- Critical manufacturing
- Hazardous materials
- Financial services
- Chemical supply chains and safety
- Defense industrial base
Are businesses open?
- At this time, essential businesses are open to serve the island’s permanent residents only. On Monday, May 18 Governor Whitmer announced that restaurants, bars, and retailers in Chippewa County may open to the public on Friday, May 22, 2020. Businesses will continue to operate in alignment with the guidelines and we appreciate complete compliance to keep everyone safe.
- Member lodging establishments are accepting reservations in anticipation of the restrictions being lifted by the first week of June. Please call ahead to discuss the lodging options and restrictions for each business as they may differ by establishment.
- Businesses on Drummond Island are operating in alignment with the guidelines and directives set forth by federal and state officials, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the World Health Organization. On May
- This includes the mandate issued by Governor Whitmer on Monday, March 23, directing non-essential businesses to close at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, March 24 for a period of at least three weeks, through the evening of Monday, April 13, 2020. On Thursday, April 24, 2020 this order was extended to May 15, 2020 and on May 7, 2020 the order was extended another time to May 28, 2020.
- Unnecessary traffic to Drummond Island by the visiting public puts undue stress on essential staff and services, including grocery stores, carry-out and delivery food services, healthcare, energy and more. Please comply with the each business'es plan to protect their staff and patrons.
- At this time, the following restaurants are open only for delivery and carry-out service, at their discretion. Bear Track Restaurant, Esther's Authentic Mexican Restaurant, Northwood's Restaurant, Pins Bar & Grill, Port Of Call, and Wazz's. Please check with the restaurants regarding hours of operation and menu items offered. A convenient list has beed developed on our "Business Update" page on the website at https://www.visitdrummondisland.com/business-update.html Many of these business intent to open to the public for dining on Friday, May 22. Please be respectful and patient as extra measures (masks, sanitation, etc.) and limited seating capacity will be enforced.
- Businesses will continue to follow guidelines issued by the authorities listed above.
How will ferry transportation be impacted?
- Ferry transportation remains operational to ensure essential personnel, supplies and deliveries are able to reach the island.
- The EUPTA has implemented a cashless system for collecting ferry fees. To learn more about the new fee collection process CLICK HERE to learn more.
- The EUPTA has implemented a revised scheduled to reduced the number of trips they are making during the statewide executive order. The revised scheduled is posted at the following link. https://www.visitdrummondisland.com/drummond-island-ferry.html
- Unnecessary traffic to the island by the visiting public places undue stress on essential staff and services, including ferry transportation.
- All passengers should remain inside their vehicle while crossing.
Can I still access Drummond Island via private air or water travel?
- While private travel to the island is still possible, we are strongly advising against travel to the island for guests and non-essential employees at this time, in alignment with Governor Whitmer’s Executive Order.
- This recommendation is intended to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and protect the citizens and staff essential to the operation of the island.
Can we still visit Drummond Island for the day to hike or trail ride?
- The public is not prevented from visiting the island; however, we are strongly advising island guests and non-essential employees to adhere to Governor Whitmer’s Executive Order and abstain from travel to the island until the restrictions are lifted.
Will this advisory be extended past May 28?
- It is our sincere hope that Governor Whitmer’s Executive Order will significantly mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in the coming weeks and accelerate a return to normalcy.
- We are evaluating the COVID-19 situation on a daily basis, using the latest information provided by health and safety experts to make sound decisions guided by state and healthcare authorities regarding tourism on Drummond Island. We will keep the island’s residents, staff and guests updated if any changes are made to this travel advisory or the island’s opening to tourism.
Is my trip to Drummond Island this summer canceled?
- We are adhering to government-issued guidelines regarding travel and will continue to do so.
- At this time, individuals with existing reservations and plans should contact their lodging establishments and other attractions for the latest updates regarding this season’s schedule.
Have events been canceled or rescheduled?
- Yes, many events have been postponed or canceled for 2020. For the latest updates, visit: https://www.visitdrummondisland.com/event-calendar.html
If I’ve already booked reservations, tours, etc., will I be reimbursed?
- Drummond Island Tourism Association is a member-driven collective of local business operators. Please contact the business(es) with which you’ve made reservations and purchases regarding individual reimbursement policies.
State of Michigan Department of Public Health & Safety: https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus
US Travel Association: https://www.ustravel.org/toolkit/emergency-preparedness-and-response-coronavirus-covid-19?