LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Many Michigan businesses that have been closed down for about six months are now getting the green light to reopen.
Late Friday afternoon Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive order that will reopen places like indoor theaters, cinemas, performance venues, arcades, bingo halls, bowling centers, indoor climbing facilities, trampoline parks, and more statewide beginning October 9, 2020.
Gatherings can now be slightly bigger as well. The order increases the capacity limit for most of the state from 10 people in indoor spaces to now 20 people per 1,000 square feet or 20% of the fixed seating capacity. Outdoor gatherings can now be 30% per 1,000 square feet or 30% of fixed seating capacity, with a maximum of 1,000 people.
The Upper Peninsula and parts of northern Michigan can have slightly bigger indoor gatherings with up to 25 people per 1,000 square feet or 25% of fixed seating capacity.
There is also a maximum of 500 people in Michigan’s largest venues and face coverings will be required in all indoor venues.
In a written statement the governor said, “Michigan took some of the most aggressive action against COVID-19 in the country, and as a result, the health of our families and our economy are faring better than our neighbors in other states. As a result, we are now able to reopen movie theaters and performance venues with strict safety measures in place. I know these business owners have made incredible sacrifices during this crisis to protect our families and frontline workers, and my administration will continue working to help them get back on their feet.”
“We are not out of the woods yet, and we will continue to monitor the effects of these incremental changes. Right now, the federal government and all 50 states have been under some form of state of emergency. We must stay the course and continue fighting this virus on behalf of our families, frontline workers, and our small businesses.”
The latest information on the coronavirus can be found at michigan.gov/coronavirus.
