Here's What Will Remain Closed, Will Reopen Under Michigan's Updated Order:

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services made some amendments to its epidemic order, lifting the ban on some businesses while others will remain closed.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and other state officials announced the updates Friday (December 18), two days before the current epidemic order is slated to expire.

“These past few weeks, Michiganders across the state stepped up and did their part to slow the spread of COVID-19, and because of our collective hard work, we are now able to begin the steps to carefully lift some of the protocols we have in place,” Whitmer said in a press release. “I am encouraged by the progress we have made since early November, and will continue to monitor the data closely during and after the holidays. One of the most important things Michiganders can do right now is make a plan to get the safe and effective vaccine as soon as it’s available to you. And as always: mask up, practice safe social distancing, and avoid indoor gatherings where COVID-19 can easily spread from person to person. We will eradicate this virus together.”

New gathering guidelines will begin Monday (December 21) and remain in place through January 15.

Indoor dining at bars and restaurants will remain closed, according to the new order.

Workplaces will also remain closed when work can be done remotely, as well as indoor fitness classes, night clubs and more, according to gathering guidelines from the state health department.

The new order allows indoor activities in which people can remain masked and socially distant to reopen. That includes in-person learning at high schools and some entertainment venues —casinos, movie theaters, bowling alleys and others — that will be allowed to reopen.

“As we continue to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, the health and safety of our employees and patrons remains a top priority,” Joel Kincaid, vice president of operations with MJR Digital Cinemas, said in the release. “We are grateful for MDHHS’s partnership and are prepared to reopen with strict safety measures in place. We look forward to working with the governor and her entire administration as we combat this virus together.”

Venues will be limited to a capacity of 100, according to state officials. Food and drink concessions will remain closed.

Indoor gatherings at residences should remain capped at 10 people from two households.

“We have made some progress in our fight against this pandemic, and this was a historical week as we started to distribute life-saving vaccines,” Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health at MDHHS, said in the release. “It is important that everyone continues to do their part. Start planning for when you will get a vaccine when it is available to you, and let’s avoid a surge in cases after the holidays by avoiding gatherings, wearing our masks, and continuing to socially distance.”

Health officials observed improvements in three of the state’s metrics used to determine COVID-19 protocols, including hospital capacity, overall case rates and positivity rates.

“Michiganders should be proud: we have made incredible progress over the last month. But we could easily lose that progress and endanger our hospitals again over the next two weeks,” MDHHS Director Robert Gordon said in the release. “At Thanksgiving, most Michiganders sacrificed and avoided family get-togethers. We need to do the same thing this holiday season. Then we can re-engage more activities sooner and more safely.”

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