LANSING, MI (WTVB) – Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is lifting more restrictions in parts of the state, moving two regions to the fifth phase of her six-part coronavirus reopening plan, starting next week.
At a press briefing Friday morning, Whitmer announced the Upper Peninsula and Traverse City Region will move to the “Containing” phase of her plan, starting Wednesday, June 10. Phase five will reopen salons, movie theaters and gyms, as long as they follow safety protocols designed to minimize the spread of COVID-19.
Indoor social gatherings and organized events of up to 50 people will be allowed in those regions. Outdoor social gatherings and organized events are also allowed if people maintain six feet of distance from one another and the gathering consists of no more than 250 people.
Outdoor performance and sporting venues will be open with a larger capacity limit of 500, which will allow for some outdoor graduation ceremonies.
On June 15, personal services including hair, massages and nails will reopen statewide. Though the remaining regions will remain in phase four, the governor said she expects the entire state will advance to phase five in the coming weeks.
“Today marks another milestone in the safe reopening of Michigan’s economy,” Whitmer said. “As we continue to slowly reopen different parts of our state, it’s critical that we listen to the experts and follow the medical science to avoid a second wave of infections. The good news is that we are headed in the right direction, and if the current trajectory continues, I anticipate we’ll be able to announce more sectors reopening in the coming weeks. We owe it to our front line workers to keep doing our part.”
“We are still on an encouraging trajectory across the state, and while there are regional differences, we are seeing continued general rates of decline in cases and deaths,” said MDHHS Chief Deputy for Health and Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun. “While we must continue to monitor the data, because of these positive trends we are able to move forward, on a regional basis, with the next phases of the MI Safe Start Plan. Although the risk levels are going down, it does not mean it has gone away. Please remain vigilant, wear your mask, practice social distancing, and remain patient as we continue to fight COVID-19 together.”
Whitmer has issued an updated rule laying out new workplace safeguards for gyms, in-home services, hair salons, and entertainment venues. Following these safeguards will ensure that workers and patrons alike remain protected as the state moves to reopen.
The other six regions were moved to the “Improving” phase earlier in the week when Whitmer lifted the stay-at-home order. Restrictions were loosened statewide for restaurants, retail businesses and more.
For the rest of the state, restaurants can reopen to dine-in service beginning Monday, June 8. Groups will have to remain at least six feet apart and servers must wear masks. Restaurants can fill to 50% capacity.
Outdoor crowds of up to 100 people are allowed, effective immediately, Whitmer said. Outdoor fitness classes, athletic practices, training sessions and games are allowed as long as coaches, spectators and participants not from the same household can maintain a distance of six feet from one another at all times.
Office work that can’t be done remotely is now allowed across the state, effectively immediately. In-home services such as house cleaning are also permitted immediately, and drive-in movie theaters can open immediately, but indoor theaters cannot.
Whitmer said her goal is to shift the entire state to phase 5 before July 4.
