(WWJ) Craving a getaway to the great outdoors? All kinds of camping will be allowed starting Monday in Michigan.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Friday signed an executive order lifting restrictions on overnight residential, travel and troop camps statewide beginning June 15.
“As we’ve worked together to bend the curve and protect our families from COVID-19, our kids have lost time in the classroom and missed out on playdates, birthday parties and graduations. That’s why I’m glad they’ll have an opportunity to spend a week or weekend away at camp,” Whitmer said, in a statement.
Executive Order 2020-120 requires camps to follow guidance issued by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). These guidelines will be published in the coming days and were developed in close collaboration with public health experts and the camp industry.
The Executive Order, which is the 120th signed by Whitmer this year, also allows certain K-12 school sports activities and other in-person extracurricular school activities to resume.
Such activities, however, will only be permitted only to the extent that they are consistent with rules requiring social distancing and, across most of the state, the closure of indoor exercise facilities. That means any activity would have to take place outdoors.
Read all the details the new executive order HERE.
Campers should note that Michigan State Parks campgrounds are not set to reopen until June 22, as they needed time to prepare.
This comes as COVID-19 case numbers have dropped dramatically in the state, and more and more is opening up.
“This is another significant milestone for Michigan as we continue to slowly and safely reopen our economy, and I want to thank Michiganders for doing their part to flatten the curve," Whitmer said. "While this is good news, there’s still more work to do to protect Michigan families from the spread of this virus, avoid a second wave, and protect the heroes on the front lines. We will get through this together.”
Over the past several weeks, state officials say Whitmer has worked with experts in health care, business, and labor to "safely reopen sectors of Michigan’s economy in a way that protects workers and their families." On Monday, June 15, personal care services including hair, massages, and nails will be allowed to reopen.
The governor announced this week that she hopes to more the entire state to phase 5 by July 4, which would lifting of even more restrictions.