Michigan Schools Allowed To Reopen, But Indoor Dining Ban Remains

MICHIGAN — Michigan high schools will be allowed to resume in-person instruction Jan. 18, according to a state order amended Friday by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. However, the state's indoor dining ban has been extended.

Michigan's ban on in-person dining will continue through Jan. 15, according to the order. But casinos, bowling alleys and stadiums will be among businesses allowed to reopen, granted with limitations.

"This new order expires on January 15, but if we substantially sustain our progress we will seriously consider lifting protocols sooner," Whitmer said.

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Whitmer first announced the restrictions — which included a ban on indoor dining at Michigan eateries, restricted indoor social gatherings and other group activities — Nov. 15 after the state saw a significant uptick in new cases and deaths stemming from the coronavirus.

The order took effect Nov. 18 but was extended 12 days prior to expiring. That extension was set to expire Sunday until Friday's announcement.

Related: Michigan's Pfizer Vaccine Allotment Cut, But No One Knows Why

Michigan coronavirus numbers have been high in recent weeks, but the number of new cases reported daily has dropped over the last week.

"Michiganders have done a really good job bringing down our seven-day average (of new cases)," Whitmer said. "We did our part by staying close to home during Thanksgiving, having virtual celebrations with our loved ones."

As of Thursday, more than 450,000 coronavirus cases and over 11,200 COVID-19 deaths had been reported in the state. Michigan surpassed 11,000 COVID-19 deaths on Wednesday. On Saturday, Michigan health officials said that 236,369 people in Michigan had recovered from the coronavirus.

But compared to how other states are dealing with the virus, Whitmer said Michigan is in much better shape. She said Indiana has had to cancel elective surgeries due to overwhelmed medical centers.

"We haven't had to do that in Michigan because we've been taking this seriously and following the science," Whitmer said.

As for the announcement made on Friday, Whitmer said casinos, bowling centers and movie theatres will be allowed to reopen with total capacity capped at 100 beginning Monday. Food and drink concessions will need to remain closed at these facilities, and social distancing requirements in place, she said.

Indoor residential gatherings remain limited to 10 people and two households, however. MDHHS continues to urge families to avoid indoor gatherings or to pick a single other household to interact with consistent with guidance already released by the department.

Gyms remain open for individual exercise with strict safety measures in place. Outdoor group fitness and outdoor non-contact sports will again be allowed, including running, downhill and cross-country skiing.

Under this new order, reopened indoor entertainment venues will not be required to collect names and contact information.

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