Gov. Gretchen Whitmer executed a “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order March 23 following an increase in cases of COVID-19 in Michigan. All non-essential businesses were ordered to close and Michiganders were ordered to stay home. However, Mason area businesses found alternative ways to help local residents remain active.
Owner of Sunset Place, Maya Warvel has invited local residents to use her camp for physical activity.
Sunset Place is usually a venue for weddings and other events, but they have been cancelled due to the shut-down. However, Warvel said the public is welcome to walk trails at the venue.
“I love the property and I want more people to know about it,” Warvel said. “I don’t know how long they’ll let me do it, you know, I know that exercise is a permitted thing that you can go out and do.”
Warvel said those using the trails are still instructed to remain 6 six feet apart in compliance with Whitmer’s order.
Sunset Place is located at 676 W. Dansville Road.
Jessica Corson, owner of Anew Moon Yoga & Wellness, offers daily yoga lessons on Facebook Live.
“My focus with the Facebook Live videos is to help people to be able to breathe through everything we’re going through,” Corson said.
Corson said she hopes the videos can get people to move and to have a sense of positivity. She said she plans to do one live instruction video per day until the shut-down ends.
“I also look at it as an opportunity for … people who maybe haven’t tried yoga before or they’re nervous to go to a studio. This would give them an opportunity to try it at home and see what it’s all about,” Corson said.
Tameeca Mahlich and her children who attend Mason Public Schools have been following Corson’s videos, along with other in-home instructional videos to get their exercise.
Mahlich said she had gastric sleeve surgery in August, which requires her to diligently exercise. The “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order has forced her and her family to find new ways to stay active.
The temporary shut-down is set to last at least three weeks, according to the governor’s order. Until then, Michiganders considered non-essential employees are ordered to stay home.