Michigan Announces 3-Week Order Closing In-Person Dining, Casinos, Movie Theaters, Colleges and More
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced Sunday (Nov. 15) new restrictions to attempt to slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Michigan.
During the press conference, Michigan health officials announced a “Three-Week Pause” to try and get coronavirus under control.
The new restrictions are in effect from 12:01 a.m. Wednesday (Nov. 18) through Dec. 8.
The state is mandating that the following operations close for the three-week period:
- In-person learning at high schools, colleges and universities
theaters, stadiums and arenas - All who are able to work from home will be required to do so
- Dine-in restaurants and bars
- Organized sports, except professional sports
- Bowling centers, ice skating, indoor water parks
- Bingo halls, casinos, arcades
- Group fitness classes
These areas will be allowed to remain open:
- Manufacturing, construction and other work impossible to do remotely
- Hair salons, barber shops & other personal services
- Gyms and pools for individual exercise only
- Retail stores
- Indoor gatherings limited to two households and 10 people
- Small outdoor gatherings limited to 25 people
- Preschool through 8th grade
- Childcare
- Public transit
“In the spring, we listened to public health experts, stomped the curve, and saved thousands of lives together. Now, we must channel that same energy and join forces again to protect our families, frontline workers and small businesses,” Whitmer said in a release.
She added, “Right now, there are thousands of cases a day and hundreds of deaths a week in Michigan, and the number is growing. If we don’t act now, thousands more will die, and our hospitals will continue to be overwhelmed. We can get through this together by listening to health experts once again and taking action right now to slow the spread of this deadly virus.”
“Indoor gatherings are the greatest source of spread, and sharply limiting them is our focus,” added MDHHS Director Robert Gordon. “The order is targeted and temporary, but a terrible loss of life will be forever unless we act. By coming together today, we can save thousands of lives.”
Officials in various states have recently imposed new coronavirus restrictions, as the virus spreads across the U.S., with more than 180,000 new diagnoses and almost 1,400 deaths on Friday.
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