COVID restrictions aren’t well-accepted in the Upper Peninsula.
Restaurants remain open, a mask burning ceremony was held, and locals are encouraging the community to participate in activities against government restrictions.
Because COVID cases spiked during the later months of last year, it was “hard” for the public to take it seriously because “we didn’t have that rush up front like everyone else did,” said Kate Beer, director of the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department. “People got tired of waiting for it to show up, so they’re very burnt out.”
But Café Rosetta owner Amy Heikkinen said it was more of economic survival for her. The café remained open despite the suspension of its food license and a $7,500 fine for defying health orders.
Erik Kiilunen, founder of the “All Business is Essential” group, encourages businesses to disregard restrictions. He also organized fundraisers for Café Rosetta, the Bridge Michigan reported.
Karl Dresch, one of the Michigan residents charged with several violations during the D.C. riot, had also signed his name to an ad paid by Kiilunen to slam the local health department. Kiilunen said he does not personally know Dresch.
What makes matters worse is the fact that local health officials’ safety is at risk.
Tanya Rule, director of environmental health for the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department, who’s pictured on the protest sign in Café Rosetta’s entryway, told the publication that she and her staff have been subject to online threats.
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