Whitmer Reopens More Local Businesses

Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced Monday that the entire state will move to phase 4 of Michigan’s reopening schedule effective June 8.

The move means bars and restaurants can reopen statewide at 50 percent capacity, joining northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula, which were cleared to open those businesses on May 22. Retail stores can also reopen statewide with capacity and safety protocols in place. Gatherings of up to 100 people are allowed outdoors effective immediately, and outdoor fitness classes, athletic practices, training sessions, and games are allowed as long as coaches, spectators, and participants not from the same household can maintain a six-foot distance. Day camps for children and pools can open June 8.

Bottle and can return service will be phased back in on June 15 at stores with bottle return facilities at the front of the store or in a separate area serviced by machines and not person-to-person contact. In-home services like cleaning are also now permitted. However, gyms, hair salons, tattoo parlors, and state casinos will remain closed because they require close contact with customers, according to the governor. Whitmer said she hopes to move Michigan into phase 5 by the Fourth of July.