LANSING, MI (WTVB) – While many had hoped for a loosening of COVD-19 restrictions for most of the Lower Peninsula by the Fourth of July holiday weekend, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says as of now, that is not going to happen.
While the governor did not announce new restrictions on the economy at her press briefing in Lansing Tuesday, she said it is possible the state may have to take that route.
“I’m not announcing any change today, but we are constantly looking at the data.”
Whitmer earlier this month said she hoped to be able to announce that south and central Michigan could join northern Michigan in Phase 5 of her six-phase reopening plan ahead of the July 4 holiday.
“That’s not going to happen,” Whitmer said Tuesday, adding that the state can expect “more clarity in the next 24 to 48 hours” about whether “a more conservative approach is needed,” or any regions of the state will need to move backward, in terms of restrictions, to Phase 3.
She said the rates of positive tests and hospitalization will be factors she will weigh in making a decision.
“If we see a sustained spike, that’s exactly what would take us back to a Phase 3,” she said.
The governor said the Lansing region is “heating up” after a major outbreak linked to an East Lansing bar frequented by Michigan State University students.
Most of the Lower Peninsula is currently in Phase 4 of the MI Safe Start Plan. In Phase 5, gyms, theater, and various entertainment venues are among the additional businesses that can reopen.
