Michigan is relaxing more COVID-19 restrictions on Tuesday, the first of two big dates for lifting remaining limits on businesses.
Today, June 1, all outdoor capacity limits will be lifted, including for concert venues, stadiums and any other outdoor events. That means Comerica Park, for instance, can open up all seats.
For restaurants and bars, June 1 means the curfew rule, which required them to close at 11 p.m., is officially lifted. Restaurants and bars can remain open past 11 p.m., and can function within normal hours.
Additionally, restaurants don’t have to limit individual table capacity, which was at a maximum of 6 people per table.
Restaurants and other indoor venues are still required to maintain a 50% capacity limit until July 1, when all other capacity limits and the broad mask order will expire, but indoor venues (like wedding halls) will now have to regulate social gatherings. Businesses and workplaces will still have the authority to require masks beyond July 1.
There is also no longer capacity limits on any residential gatherings.
Michigan’s COVID-19 new cases, positivity test rate and hospitalizations have plummeted in the last several weeks following a surge in April.
“Because so many Michiganders did their part and stepped up to get vaccinated, we are able to return to normal more quickly,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “Our state is closer and closer to being back to normal. Now, Michiganders may celebrate safely with family and friends, with less worry of getting COVID-19. We have all been working hard for this moment for over the past year, and I am thankful for every Michigander who has gotten vaccinated to keep themselves, their family, and our communities safe. Thanks to them, we can take these final steps towards a return to the normalcy and build our economy back stronger than ever. If you haven’t gotten your vaccine yet, I encourage you to make an appointment so you can safely do the activities you want to do.”
More: 7 facts to know about Michigan’s new plan to fully reopen, return to normal