Michigan to Loosen Restrictions, Increasing Restaurant Capacity to 50 Percent [VIDEO]
Michigan will soon loosen COVID-19 restrictions as infection rates continue to move in the right direction in our state. Beginning Friday (3/5), restaurants and bars will be allowed to increase indoor dining to 50% capacity. Curfews will also be extended from 10 pm to 11 pm, under new guidelines from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
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Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the details of the new restrictions at a press conference earlier today (3/2) These guidelines will be in effect until April 19, unless conditions in Michigan warrant further changes.
“I’m proud that we are able to take this positive step without compromising public health,” Whitmer said.
Details of the new restrictions include:
- Dining rooms can seat guests up to 50% capacity, with a 100 person cap.
- Bars and restaurants may remain open until 11 pm.
- Parties are limited to a maximum of six people per table and tables must be spaced six feet apart.
- Masks must be worn while guests are not seated at their tables.
- Indoor entertainment venues are now allowed to be at 50% capacity, with a 300 person cap.
- Gyms and group fitness facilities are allowed to be at 30% capacity.
- Retail stores will be allowed to open up to 50% capacity.
- Casinos can open to 30% capacity.
- Stadiums and arenas that can seat under 10,000 people will be allowed to have 375 people, those that can normally seat more than 10,000 will be able to accommodate 750 patrons.
- Indoor residential gathering restrictions will be increased to 15 people.
Full details of the order can be found here.
Governor Whitmer and Dr. Joneigh Khaldun urged Michigan residents to get whatever COVID-19 vaccine that becomes available to them, now that the Johnson & Johnson vaccine has been granted emergency use authorization by the FDA.