Limits on Gatherings Loosened Up Starting Friday

Starting Friday, restaurants can increase their capacity from 25% to 50% with safety protocols still in place. Indoor residential gatherings with up to 15 people from three households are allowed, and indoor entertainment facilities can operate at 50% capacity to have up to 300 people if following safety protocols.

The ruling also allows for small groups such as city councils and boards to meet in person with a 25-person limit. Governor Gretchen Whitmer had been petitioned by a coalition of State Senators last week asking for “common sense” guidelines that would permit business to be done in municipalities.

 The updated orders from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services are based on three metrics: hospital capacity, overall case rates, and COVID-19 test positivity rates.

Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, MDHHS chief medical executive and chief deputy for health was cautiously optimistic, even as more contagious virus variants on the rise. She said, “I am glad we continue to make progress, but that progress is fragile.” She urged continued vigilance and encouraged Michiganders to get the vaccine.

The vaccine rollout process is picking up, with the White House saying there will be vaccines for every American who wants it by the end of May.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland