MI Lifts Capacity Limits On Outdoor Events Beginning Tuesday

LANSING, MI — The first step in an accelerated plan to reopen Michigan as the state looks to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic takes effect Tuesday.

As of Tuesday, capacity limits will for outdoor events are lifted. The alteration in COVID-19 restrictions is the first milestone in Michigan's updated MI Vacc To Normal Plan, which Gov. Gretchen Whitmer was being sped up on May 24.

"This is a month — it's from June 1 to July 1 — that we are transitioning," Whitmer said at a news conference when she announced the plan.

Related: Michigan Outdoor Capacity Limits Removed, Indoor Limits Increased

Here's a look at what will be lifted on Tuesday:

• Michigan will no longer have capacity limits on outdoor events
• Capacity limits on residential gatherings are lifted
• Indoor businesses can increase their capacity limitations to 50 percent

At the same news conference Whitmer announced the MI Vacc to Normal Plan was being moved up with haste, she also said an epidemic order removing mask mandates is set to take effect on July 1.

But despite the changes, Michigan health officials continue to urge caution. Officials previously said people should continue masking up at schools, on the bus, or train and in congregate settings such as prisons and homeless shelters.

Face masks will continue to be required for people who have yet to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at indoor events.

As of Saturday, 887,719 COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in Michigan. Health officials have reported 19,163 COVID-19 deaths and 818,165 COVID-19 recoveries.