Politics & Government
MI Is About To End COVID Restrictions: Here Are 3 Things To Know
Capacity limits and mask requirements in Michigan will be no more beginning Tuesday. But that's not all that's changing.
LANSING, MI — Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Thursday announced that the state's coronavirus-related indoor capacity limits and face-covering restrictions would end on Tuesday, but that's not all that's changing.
Below are five things to know about what will be different on Tuesday, when people will once again be able to be in public places without capacity limits and face mask rules.
Find out what's happening in Detroitfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Tuesday's Rules Change is Ahead of Schedule
People are excited to be out from under Michigan's COVID-19 rules, and it may have come as a surprise because the change is a bit ahead of schedule.
Whitmer launched the state's Vacc to Normal plan on April 29, saying the same changes taking effect on Tuesday would occur when 70 percent of Michiganders age 16 and up have been vaccinated.
Find out what's happening in Detroitfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Currently, a little over 60 percent of eligible Michiganders have been vaccinated, according to data provided by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
Related: Lifting Of Michigan COVID Rules Tied To Vaccination Rate: Whitmer
More Public Health Orders Will End on Tuesday
Eight other restrictions implemented through public health orders issued during the pandemic also end on Tuesday. A list of those orders and what they entailed is below:
- Temporary Restrictions for Entry into Congregate Care and Juvenile Justice Facilities
- Mandatory Testing for Michigan Department of Health and Human Services' Juvenile Justice Facility Staff
- Mandatory Testing for Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Hospitals and Centers Staff
- Exceptions to Temporary Restrictions on Entry into Congregate Care and Juvenile Justice Facilities
- Exceptions to Temporary Restrictions on Entry into Certain Facilities
- Safe Housing for Housing Unstable Individuals
- Handling of Bodily Remains
- Safe Housing for Michigan Homeless
Not All of Michigan's Rules End on Tuesday
Officials said some orders will remain in effect to "protect vulnerable populations in corrections, long-term care and agriculture."
Public health measures also will continue for reporting requirements and COVID testing to make sure areas where community spread is high are identified, kids are safe in school and free COVID-19 tests are available.
Additional guidance related to schools will be released next week, officials said.
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