LANSING, Mich. — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has lifted Michigan’s coronavirus stay-at-home order. By signing Executive Order 2020-110, Whitmer is moving the state to phase four of the MI Safe Start Plan.
Whitmer said Monday that restaurants can reopen to dine-in customers next week and she has eased limits on gatherings.
“The data has shown that we are ready to carefully move our state into the next phase of the MI Safe Start Plan, but we owe it to our brave frontline heroes to get this right," Whitmer said. “While Michiganders are no longer required to stay home, we must all continue to be smart and practice social distancing, and encourage those who meet the criteria to get tested for COVID-19.”
Some businesses where close contact is necessary, including gyms, hair salons, indoor theaters and casinos, will remain closed for now.
Restaurants, along with day camps for children and pools, can open June 8. Retailers can reopen June 4. Groups of up to 100 people can gather outside as long as they practice social distancing.
Gyms and fitness centers can offer outdoor activities such as classes, practices, training sessions and games as long as participants, coaches and spectators stay 6 feet apart.
In a press conference Monday, Whitmer stated that the threat is not gone. While Michigan moves into phase four, Michiganders must continue wearing facial coverings when in enclosed, public spaces. It is also the responsibility of Michiganders to take reasonable precautions.
“Hospitalization numbers are down, our frontline workers have PPE to last them several weeks, and the number of positive cases and deaths are declining,” said MDHHS Chief Deputy for Health and Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun. “We will continue to monitor the data and work closely with local health departments to ensure Michiganders practice safe social distancing. On behalf of our health care professionals and first responders on the front lines, we must all be smart and be safe.”
Whitmer said her goal is to shift the state to phase 5 — “containing” — before July 4.
Watch the full press conference here.
13 ON YOUR SIDE contributed to this reporting.
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