LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has extended by 12 days the epidemic order that restricts indoor social gatherings and other group activities.
Under the extension announced at a press conference Monday afternoon, bars and restaurants must remain closed for dine-in service, but can remain open for outdoor dining, carry-out and delivery. Gyms are open for individual exercise with mandatory masking and additional strict safety measures. Casinos, movie theaters and group exercise classes remain closed.
Colleges, universities and high schools will continue with remote learning, with no in-person classes, but career and technical education programs can resume.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer says the additional 12 days will allow the department to determine the full impact of the Thanksgiving holiday on the spread of COVID-19 across Michigan. “This may be the most difficult time yet in our struggle with COVID-19, but there is light at the end of the tunnel,” she said.
Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health at MDHHS said while they have seen early signs of progress in case rates and hospitalizations, rates are still alarmingly high. She said some days have seen over 100 deaths in the state, seven times the rate in early October 2020.
MDHHS Director Robert Gordon says they have identified three key metrics that will be utilized in determining whether to slowly reopen at the end of the 12 days. Specifically, the department will be looking closely at the percentage of hospital beds with COVID patients, the number of COVID-19 cases and the positivity rate.
Gordon says with improvements in those numbers, MDHHS will carefully reopen, with in-person learning at high schools first. Next in line will be entertainment venues where people can maintain consistent masking, such as casinos, theaters, and bowling alleys, with concessions closed.
