Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is set to hold a briefing today as the state of Michigan reopens to full capacity and drops its COVID-19 mask and gathering restrictions.

There’s been a lot of news surrounding COVID-19 in Michigan over the past week, from a picture of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer violating restrictions at a restaurant, a brand-new reopening timeline and people returning to work.

The curfew on Michigan restaurants and bars will be lifted during the first step of the state’s new plan for fully reopening.

During her COVID briefing, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer revealed the new schedule Michigan will follow to fully reopen, talked about restaurant rules and announced changes to the mask policy.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer held another COVID briefing, addressing changes to the state’s restrictions, “progress” in our COVID metrics and her recent controversial trip to Florida.

“I want to be clear. Masks are still an important tool to keep yourself, your family and the most vulnerable among us safe, especially indoors,” Whitmer said. “It’s how we keep people safe.”

“We can all throw some burgers on the grill, catch a Tigers game and hit the lake with our friends. We can enjoy our Michigan summer,” said Willpower Fitness Group owner William McCray. “I’m happy, I’m ecstatic and I think we’re moving in the right direction.”

Michigan restaurants have been put through the ringer throughout the pandemic. The industry as a whole has seen the rules change multiple times over the past year and that’s made for a lot of anxiety, frustration and sometimes animosity. After Thursday’s announcement, there was a new, more hopeful tone.

Michigan is going to lift specific COVID-19 restrictions when the state hits certain vaccination thresholds. Here’s a list of the rules that will be loosened when each goal is reached.

Michigan is outlining four specific vaccination goals that, once they are reached, will directly trigger the loosening of certain COVID-19 restrictions across the state, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer revealed.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services expanded mask requirements to include children ages 2-4 years old.

Michigan has extended the COVID-19 order that implemented restrictions on gatherings, restaurants, entertainment venues and more.

Michigan’s COVID-19 metrics have the state’s top health official “incredibly concerned,” with some numbers five times higher than they were two months ago.

When asked why Michigan has such a high number of COVID-19 cases despite all the previous shutdowns and restrictions, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said she believes the state’s success at fighting the virus early in the pandemic is actually contributing to the current alarming metrics.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer was asked about two of her top aides, including the Michigan health director, going out of state for vacation despite the governor’s administration discouraging anyone from traveling.

Despite COVID-19 cases that are rising at an alarming rate, Michigan officials still aren’t planning to mandate new restrictions. But why is there a reluctance to do so now, considering there have been two shutdowns in the past?

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer held a briefing Wednesday to update the COVID-19 situation in Michigan, addressing possible new restrictions, why the state’s numbers are so high, what’s going on with vaccines and much more.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is holding another briefing Wednesday (April 14), and there are plenty of topics to address about COVID-19 in the state.

It’s been a hectic few days in terms of COVID-19 news in Michigan, with discussions about whether new restrictions are needed, an extension of emergency workplace rules and questions surrounding vaccines.

Does the extension of Michigan’s emergency COVID-19 workplace rules mean all employees have to work remotely for another six months?

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and national health experts are publicly disagreeing about whether Michigan needs to reinstate stricter COVID-19 rules to slow the spread of COVID-19.

The director of the CDC said the answer to Michigan’s alarming rise in COVID-19 cases isn’t to “vaccinate our way out” of it, but to “shut things down” like the state did last spring and summer.

Last week, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer spoke about the alarming rise of COVID-19 cases across the state and asked residents to voluntarily follow several restrictions over the next two weeks.

Gretchen Whitmer will provide an update on Michigan’s handling of COVID-19 on Friday -- the second briefing in three days. Here’s everything you should know about COVID-19 in Michigan before it begins. Public schools in Michigan were shut down during the fall due to a surge in COVID-19 cases. Their buildings have been closed for about two months -- since the state reported thousands of COVID-19 cases per day in November. “The state of Michigan recorded our 500,000th confirmed case,” Whitmer said Wednesday.

LANSING, Mich. – After weeks of moving in the right direction, Michigan’s most critical COVID-19 metrics suggest a “slowing of progress,” according to the state’s top health official. Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, updated the state’s top three COVID-19 metrics during Gov. Whitmer’s COVID briefingMichigan’s case rate is now at 237 COVID-19 per million people, according to Khladun. The case rate had been on a clear decline for 46 days, but has started to plateau, Khaldun said. Despite that long stretch of decline, the case rate is still much higher than medical experts hoped.

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan is moving to a new phase of COVID-19 vaccinations next week, and the residents included in this round of vaccines have been determined by age and occupation. Here are the nine groups of people included in the new phase:Residents age 65 years and olderPolice officersFirst respondersFrontline state workersFrontline federal workersJail staff membersPrison staff membersPre-K through 12th grade teachersChildcare providers“The state is entering a new phase in our vaccinations,” Gov. Whitmer’s COVID briefing“The more people we can get the safe and effective vaccine, the faster we can return to a sense of normalcy,” Whitmer said. Vaccines in Michigan are limited, so appointments will be, too. As more vaccines arrive, the state will be able to move more quickly through the priority groups, Whitmer said.

LANSING, Mich. – The top health official in Michigan said a new, mutated variant of COVID-19 that might be easier to spread is “very likely” already in the state. Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, spoke about the new variant of COVID-19 during Gov. Concern about this mutated form of COVID-19 comes as Michigan reports less promising metrics than in weeks past. After 46 days of decline, Michigan’s case rate has started to plateau, and is currently at 237 COVID-19 cases per million people statewide, Khaldun said. On Wednesday, Michigan reported 4,326 new COVID-19 cases and 51 additional deaths, bringing the state totals to 508,736 confirmed cases and 12,918 deaths since the start of the pandemic.

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan has been under tighter COVID-19 restrictions for more than seven weeks, and Gov. “I think it’s very clear that the pause has worked,” Whitmer said. Officials revised the restrictions Dec. 18 and extended them until Jan. 15. Click here to read a full timeline of this order, with a breakdown of how COVID-19 numbers have actually changed while it’s been in effect. Whitmer didn’t reveal whether the state would strengthen or extend the restrictions, but reiterated that she thinks it was the right move by MDHHS.

LANSING, Mich. – With rising concerns about Michigan’s COVID-19 metrics and a new variant of the virus, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer was asked if she anticipates new restrictions on activity in the state. In addition to some concerning trends in the metrics, Whitmer and Khaldun both spoke about a new variant of COVID-19, which could be even easier to spread. Whitmer was asked if, due to those concerns, the state will see increased restrictions beyond the current MDHHS order. When numbers started to improve officials eased some restrictions, allowing certain facilities to reopen and resuming in-person classes for high schoolers.

New phase of vaccinationsMichigan is moving on to a new phase of COVID-19 vaccinations, including teachers, first responders, childcare providers and residents over 65 years old. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced the new phase of vaccinations will begin Monday (Jan. 11). Concerning metricsDr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive for MDHHS, updated the state’s top three COVID-19 metrics, and cited some concerning trends. Michigan is at 237 COVID-19 cases per million people statewide, from 198 cases per million in the Traverse City Region to 342 cases per million in the Jackson Region. Michigan goes over 500,000 casesOn Monday, Michigan eclipsed the 500,000 mark in terms of confirmed COVID-19 cases.

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan high schools are allowed to resume in-person learning on Monday as a part of Michigan’s revised COVID-19 order issued before the holiday break in December. Indoor venues where people can remain masked and socially distanced -- movie theaters, stadiums, bowling alleys, casinos -- can reopen without food or drink concessions. READ: COVID-19 restrictions stay the same for Michigan restaurants as other venues prepare to reopenTotal capacity at those indoor venues will be capped at 100. MDHHS continues to urge families to avoid indoor gatherings or to pick a single other household to interact with. And as always: mask up, practice safe social distancing, and avoid indoor gatherings where COVID-19 can easily spread from person to person.

In promulgating Executive Order 2020-69 and Executive Order 2020-70, the Governor has done just that by placing restrictions on certain activities to limit social interactions. “Good news, sports fans: We are now ready to gradually and safely allow professional sports to resume in Michigan,” Whitmer said. July 14: State of emergency extendedWhitmer extended the Michigan state of emergency until Aug. 11 as COVID-19 cases rose across the state. The five-year lending, investment and philanthropic plan aimed to help improve financial opportunities for Michigan businesses, consumers and communities. Dec. 29: Relief bill, unemployment extensionWhitmer signed a $106 million relief bill and also extended COVID-19 unemployment benefits through March 2021.

MORE: Here’s everything that’s reopening under Michigan’s revised COVID-19 order“I think this is a glass half full situation,” said Emagine Entertainment’s Chairman and co-founder, Paul Glantz. After weeks of having to abruptly shut down, Emagine theaters -- along with other businesses -- will finally be able to reopen its doors. “Now we’re not allowed to offer our guests food and beverage items, so there will be no concession sales,” Glantz said. And until then his business will continue to follow and practice the procedures necessary to keep movie goers safe. When will Michigan restaurants be allowed to reopen after the most recent shutdown due to COVID-19?

LAKE ORION, Mich. – Michigan has loosened COVID-19 restrictions for several indoor venues, including casinos, bowling alleys and movie theaters, but indoor dining at restaurants is still not allowed. “There will not be changes for highest risk settings of indoor bars and dining where masks are necessarily removed,” Gordon said. Gretchen Whitmer laid out the science behind the ban in November, where she cited multiple studies that showed an increase in the spread of COVID-19 and indoor dining. “It’s not the restaurant’s fault. “If you feel comfortable coming in here, who are you do say no when you can go to all these other places?” Luchkovitc said.

Gretchen Whitmer announced the state is revising its COVID-19 order to resume in-person high school classes, reopen certain indoor entertainment venues and allow non-contact outdoor sports and fitness classes. After her friend Wayne County sheriff Benny Napoleon died from COVID-19, Whitmer said when it comes the vaccine distribution is bottlenecked due to Washington. “My frustration level is high because in Portage there are vaccines ready to be distributed,” Whitmer said. In person learning at high school can resume. However, restaurants and bars will remain closed since patrons need to remove masks to eat or drink.

LANSING, Mich. – Minutes after the state announced updated COVID-19 restrictions, Michigan Republicans released a statement “condemning” the decision to keep many businesses closed through the holidays. Michigan Gov. While some indoor venues where people can wear masks and maintain social distancing will be allowed to reopen, other parts of the economy -- most notably indoor dining at restaurants -- are still banned. READ: COVID-19 restrictions stay the same for Michigan restaurants as other venues prepare to reopen“I am happy to see that Gov. However, officials would be willing to consider lifting more restrictions before Jan. 15 if Michigan makes enough progress, Whitmer said.

(Photo by Richard Bord/Getty Images)LANSING, Mich. – Michigan has loosened COVID-19 restrictions for several indoor venues, including casinos, bowling alleys and movie theaters, but indoor dining at restaurants is still not allowed. In fact, the updated order from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services didn’t change the restrictions on restaurants at all. FROM TUESDAY: When could Michigan restaurants reopen? “There will not be changes for highest risk settings of indoor bars and dining where masks are necessarily removed,” Gordon said. Since dining at restaurants requires people from different households to remove their masks in the same area, it’s inherently risky, Gordon and Gov.

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan updated its COVID-19 restrictions Friday, reopening certain parts of the state as metrics across the state improve. Gretchen Whitmer said the state would consider lifting protocols sooner if the state makes substantial progress toward slowing the spread of COVID-19. Here’s a look at what’s reopening:Indoor venuesCertain indoor venues where people can remain masked and socially distanced can reopen without food or drink concessions. Total capacity at those indoor venues will be capped at 100. MDHHS continues to urge families to avoid indoor gatherings or to pick a single other household to interact with.

Gretchen Whitmer announced the state is revising its COVID-19 order to resume in-person high school classes, reopen certain indoor entertainment venues and allow non-contact outdoor sports and fitness classes. Indoor venues where people can remain masked and socially distanced -- movie theaters, stadiums, bowling alleys, casinos -- can reopen without food or drink concessions. READ: COVID-19 restrictions stay the same for Michigan restaurants as other venues prepare to reopenTotal capacity at those indoor venues will be capped at 100. MDHHS continues to urge families to avoid indoor gatherings or to pick a single other household to interact with. And as always: mask up, practice safe social distancing, and avoid indoor gatherings where COVID-19 can easily spread from person to person.

UPDATE: Michigan revises COVID-19 order to reopen high schools, some entertainment venuesREFRESHER: 9 major takeaways from Whitmer’s last COVID-19 briefing (Tuesday)Click here to watch Whitmer’s Friday briefing live. Since winter has arrived, most Michigan restaurants aren’t able to serve customers in any sit-down capacity. Vaccine movementThe first group of Michigan health care workers received their first doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine on Monday. Most recent numbersMichigan reported 4,024 new COVID-19 cases and 190 additional deaths Thursday, including 125 deaths from a Vital Records review. More storiesHere’s the complete coverage from Tuesday’s COVID-19 briefing:

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer provided an update Friday on the state’s response to COVID-19. UPDATE: Michigan revises COVID-19 order to reopen high schools, some entertainment venuesThe state has been under a “pause” that placed stricter COVID-19 regulations on restaurants, schools and more, but that order is scheduled to expire Sunday (Dec. 20). You can watch the full briefing in the video posted above. On Friday, Whitmer was be joined by Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, the chief medical executive for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, as well as MDHHS Director Robert Gordon.

Gretchen Whitmer is set to make an announcement Sunday evening regarding the spread of COVID-19 in Michigan. Whitmer will be joined by Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, the chief medical executive of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, and MDHHS Director Robert Gordon. The announcement pertains to the state’s efforts to slow the spread of the virus, state officials said. On Saturday, Michigan reported 7,072 new COVID-19 cases and 65 additional deaths, bringing the state totals up to 251,813 cases and 7,994 deaths since the start of the pandemic. Michigan reported a single-day record 8,516 new cases Friday.