Whitmer Orders Some Michigan Bars To Close For Indoor Service

MICHIGAN — Indoor gatherings are limited to 10 people and bars across the state will be closed to indoor service following an executive order signed by Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer late Wednesday.

Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-160 and Executive Order 2020-161, amending Michigan’s Safe Start Order and issuing revised workplace safeguards. The gathering and bar limits are set to begin Friday.

“As we see COVID-19 cases continue to rise, Michiganders cannot afford to drop our guard. We must take every step possible to save lives, protect the brave men and women on the front lines, and avoid overwhelming our healthcare system while we continue to combat COVID-19,” Whitmer said. “After seeing a resurgence in cases connected to social gatherings across the state, we must further limit gatherings for the health of our community and economy. By taking these strong actions, we will be better positioned to get our children back into classrooms and avoid a potentially devastating second wave.”

Don't miss important updates from health and government officials on the impact of the coronavirus in Michigan. Sign up for Patch's daily newsletters and email alerts.

Michigan has seen a resurgence in coronavirus cases over the past month, eclipsing the 80,000-mark in cases on Wednesday. However, on Tuesday, officials said that over the last two weeks cases have plateaued across the state.

Whitmer said the resurgence of the coronavirus is closely associated with super-spreading events at large social gatherings, often attended by young people. An outbreak at a Lansing bar has resulted in 187 infections; more than 50 cases have been linked to a single house party in Saline; and a sandbar party at Torch Lake over the July 4 weekend led to at least 43 confirmed cases, Whitmer's office said. Executive Order 2020-160 limits statewide indoor gatherings to 10 or fewer people and, across most of the state, limits outdoor gatherings to 100.

Executive Order 2020-160 also orders that bars in every region, including those in northern Michigan, must close for indoor service if they earn more than 70 percent of their gross receipts from sales of alcoholic beverages.

Related: Whitmer To Michiganders: 'We Cannot Let Up For One Second'

Under the governor’s orders, Detroit casinos will also be allowed to open on Aug. 5, but their occupancy will be limited to 15 percent capacity. Casinos must also, among other things, conduct a daily entry screening protocol for customers and employees, temperature screening. Casinos must require patrons to wear a face covering, except while eating or drinking or for identification purposes.