Whitmer Lifts Michigan Stay-at-Home Order

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has lifted the stay-at-home order for the entire state, which means restaurants, and more will be able to finally reopen.

In her statement Whitmer said, “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. 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. If we all do our part, our goal is to announce a shift to phase five for the entire state prior to the fourth of July."

The Governor said Monday that restaurants can reopen to dine-in customers next week.Bars can also reopen June 8, with capacity limits. Groups of 100 or less can also begin gathering raising that number up from the original maximum of 10.  That change goes into effect immediately with the caution to still practice social distancing.

In addition, gyms and fitness centers can offer outdoor activities such as classes, practices, training sessions. They can also offer up games as long as the participants, coaches and spectators stay 6 feet apart to adhere to social distancing guidelines.

The revised order will allow employees to work from the office if their work can not  be done remotely from home.

Beginning Thursday, retailers will be able to open their stores to customers without appointments. Day camps for children and pools can open on June 8th, something many Michiganders were hoping for with the arrival of summer.  According to Whitmer, in home services such as house cleaning will now be able to start up again.

Some businesses, however, have not been given the green light as of yet. Gyms, hair salons, barber shops, tattoo parlors and casinos (non tribal run) will remain closed based on the fact they require close contact with customers. No world on when those restrictions will be lifted.