MIDLAND, Mich. (WWJ) -- More COVID-19 restrictions will soon be peeled back in Michigan, as the state continues its return to normalcy.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced Thursday the state will fully lift outdoor capacity limits on June 1 and capacities at indoor venues will be increased to 50%. The governor says unvaccinated Michiganders will still be required to wear masks through the end of the month.
A month later on July 1, the state’s broad mask mandate and gatherings order will be lifted, paving the way for Michiganders to attend baseball games, concerts and other large gatherings this summer.
“That is when we will take our final step. We will lift the broad mask and gatherings order and will no longer impose broad mitigation measures during the pandemic," Whitmer said. "Unless, of course, unanticipated circumstances arise. We do not expect that to happen -- we look at this as the last moment of these types of orders.”
The state has had limited occupancy in restaurants and other venues since the onset of the pandemic in March 2020.
Speaking at the Dow Diamond ballpark in Midland, home of the minor league Great Lakes Loons, Whitmer announced what is surely to excite baseball fans across the state this summer as fans will be able to go to ballparks without restrictions.
The announcement comes nearly a week after the governor’s administration eased a mask order due to guidance from the CDC.
Prior to Thursday’s announcement, Michigan had been on the path to normalcy under the governor’s “Vacc to Normal” plan, with the removal of restrictions hinging on the percentage of Michiganders who are vaccinated.
The state hit its first benchmark in the plan earlier this month when the number of Michiganders with at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine crossed the 55% threshold, opening the door for all employers to allow in-person work at offices and other businesses.
A small increase in capacity limits at indoor and outdoor venues was expected to happen when the state reached the 60% mark, while lifting most other restrictions at 65%. The final step in the plan called for all face mask and gathering restrictions to be lifted at 70%.
Whitmer says she and her administration discussed changes to the reopening plan after the CDC’s recommendation last week that fully-vaccinated Americans no longer have to wear masks.
Speaking to those who have questions or concerns about getting vaccinated, Whitmer said "the safest thing you can do is get vaccinated."
“And then you can enjoy all of these things that we’ve all been so eager to reengage," she said. "Second, if you are unvaccinated, you choose to not get vaccinated or are unable to get vaccinated for some reason, we’re going to strongly encourage people to continue to mask up, especially when they are indoors with people outside their household."
But that’s gonna be encouragement, that will not be through some sort of order that comes from the state.”
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