Michigan Relaxes Mask Requirements Statewide Beginning Thursday

LANSING, MI — Mask requirements have been relaxed in Michigan, with the state's Department of Health and Human Services announcing Tuesday that mask requirements have been lifted for outdoor gatherings of fewer than 100 people.

The state health department lifted its COVID-19 epidemic order requiring face masks for outdoor activities with fewer than 100 people, replacing it with a new order that takes effect Thursday and expires on May 31.

“The commitment by Michiganders to receive the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine is allowing us to move toward a return to normal,” MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel said in a statement Tuesday. “The vaccines work. That means once Michiganders are fully vaccinated, they do not have to abide by as many health guidelines because of the protection the vaccine provides from the spread of the virus."

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Anyone who is fully vaccinated and not experiencing symptoms is not required to wear a mask at residential gatherings, including indoor events, according to the rule.

New guidance for organized sports no longer requires routine COVID-19 testing for fully vaccinated participants if they are asymptomatic, the state noted. Masks continue to be required for contact sports but are no longer required outdoors during active practice and competition for non-contact sports.

State officials said 39.3 percent of Michigan residents 16 and older had been fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and 50.6 percent had received at least a first dose.

What's Included in the New Order

• Large outdoor events, including festivals, fairs, and golf tournaments will be able to exceed the current 1,000-person limit so long as they create and post a safety plan consistent with the MDHHS Large Outdoor Event Guidance, and no more than 20 persons per 1,000 square feet are gathered in any space available to patrons.
• Outdoor stadiums and arenas:
• Stadiums complying with enhanced protocols will continue to be allowed to operate at 20 percent of their fixed seating capacity. For example, a stadium with a maximum capacity complying with enhanced protocols would be permitted to host 8,000 patrons.
• Otherwise, for stadiums or arenas with a fixed seating capacity of 5,000 or greater without enhanced protocols 1,000 patrons may be gathered (previously 750).
• For stadiums or arenas with a fixed seating capacity of 10,000 or greater without enhanced protocols 1,500 patrons may be gathered.
• Residential outdoor gatherings are allowed up to 50 people. Or, where density does not exceed 20 persons per 1,000 square feet of usable outdoor space, up to 300 people may be gathered.