Publisher
Recommended Videos
Location
- Detroit, Mich.
Last reviewed
- 8/9/2020, 3:10 p.m.
Overview
- Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has a reopening plan that she revealed in May. She revealed six phases of her “MI Safe Start Plan,” designed to reengage the state’s economy since it was first shut down in March. Other than the Upper Peninsula and Traverse City Region, the entire state has been in the fourth phase of Whitmer’s reopening plan -- the “Improving” phase. Whitmer moved the entire state to phase four on June 1 after it was stuck in phase three for more than three weeks -- since the MI Safe Start Plan was introduced May 7. The state’s stay-at-home order was lifted on June 1.
- The number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Michigan has risen to 87,403 as of Sunday, including 6,249 deaths, state officials report. Sunday’s update includes 514 new cases and 2 additional deaths -- however, the cumulative death total reported Sunday has actually been reduced by one. On Saturday the state reported 86,889 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 6,250 deaths.
Businesses and facilities
- Michigan restaurants were allowed to resume dine-in service on June 8. Meanwhile, gyms have been closed for months as a result of the governor’s executive order. On June 19, a federal judge ruled that indoor gyms could reopen in Michigan. The ruling was made by U.S. District Judge Paul Maloney in the Western District of Michigan after a lawsuit was filed by the League of Independent Fitness Facilities. Whitmer appealed that ruling and the the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals granted Whitmer’s motion to keep gyms in Michigan closed.
Social distancing and gatherings
- The governor allowed gatherings of up to 10 people on May 21. That’s still the rule for indoor gatherings, but when she lifted the stay-at-home order, Whitmer expanded the size of groups that can gather outside to 100. As of July 30, this rule is now applicable to all regions of the state -- northern regions were previously allowed to gather in larger groups due to slower COVID-19 spread. Participants must still practice social distancing.
Mask mandates
- On July 10, 2020, the Michigan governor signed a new Executive Order requiring masks in indoor public spaces and crowded outdoor spaces as COVID-19 cases spike in the state. Executive Order 2020-147 reiterates that individuals are required to wear a face covering whenever they are in an indoor public space. It also requires the use of face coverings in crowded outdoor spaces. The order requires any business that is open to the public to refuse entry or service to people who refuse to wear a face covering, with limited exceptions. On August 6, 2020, Michigan Gov. Whitmer signed a new Executive Order requiring children and childcare workers to wear masks at Michigan childcare centers and camps as COVID-19 cases continue to rise in the state.
Healthcare status
- The state’s COVID-19-related hospitalizations have increased slightly, but remain considerably lower than in April. The state reported 460 inpatients, 243 critical COVID-19 patients and 132 COVID-19 patients on ventilators on Aug. 3, 2020.
Schools
- On June 30, Whitmer revealed her plan to help schools across the state return to in-person learning this fall. The “MI Safe Schools Return to School Roadmap” is a 63-page document that outlines coronavirus (COVID-19) safety protocols for each phase of Whitmer’s reopening plan.
Food and dining
- Michigan restaurants were allowed to resume dine-in service on June 8. However, on July 1 the governor ordered establishments with on-premises retailer liquor licenses that earn more than 70% of their gross receipts from alcohol sales to shut down their indoor bar services until further notice. Indoor bar service in six of the state’s eight geographical regions was shut down, excluding the Upper Peninsula and Traverse City Region -- the only two regions in phase five of reopening. On July 30, however, Michigan Gov. Whitmer ordered all Michigan establishments with on-premises retailer liquor licenses that earn more than 70% of their gross receipts from alcohol sales to shut down their indoor bar services until further notice -- including the Upper Peninsula and Traverse City Region.
How to get help
- For help with child care in Michigan, check the state of Michigan’s childcare resources.