Gov. Gretchen Whitmer revealed the latest in Michigan's shutdown status during a long-awaited announcement Friday afternoon.
Starting Monday, high schools can return to in-person learning if they so choose while colleges can allow students to return to campus, with in-person classes returning Jan. 19. Movie theaters, bowling alleys, casinos and any other venue that fosters social distancing and masking is permitted to open -- without concessions -- on Monday. Non-contact sports can resume, as can outdoor fitness classes.
The current partial shutdown, which includes a ban on bars, indoor dining and gym classes, was set to end Sunday night.
What about bars and restaurants, many of which say the restrictions are driving them out of business? The governor did not address dining in her remarks, though it appears the indoor dining and bar ban will continue.
This new order expires Jan. 15.
"A lot depends on how the holidays go," Whitmer said during her announcement.
While announcing the lifting of some restrictions, Whitmer had strong words for federal officials, who she said are not answering questions about why a "fraction" of the number of expected coronavirus vaccines have arrived. "What is holding them up? When can we expect them?" Whitmer asked, accusing the government of "corruption or ineptitude."
"We did our part by staying close to home over Thanksgiving," Whitmer said, adding, "We did our part to avoid indoor gatherings ... And I want to take a moment to thank Michiganders."
"We in Michigan are bending the curve faster than other states," the governor said, adding that Indiana has had to stop all elective surgeries, something Michigan has not had to do.
The number of statewide hospitalizations right now sits at just over 3,300, which is the lowest number in just about a month. The state health department announced Thursday just over 4,000 new confirmed cases.
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The daily case count now under 5,000 for six days in a row.
The total confirmed cases in Michigan stands at 450,776, with 190 more COVID deaths confirmed today -- 125 of which were identified through a review of records. Total COVID-19 deaths in the state are 11,208, including the latest victim: Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napoleon.
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The testing positivity rate has dipped below 10 percent for the first time since early November.