Whitmer OKs theaters, bigger crowds; requiresmasks in K-5
LANSING » Michigan Gov. GretchenWhitmer said Friday that movie theaters and other venues can reopen in two weeks after nearly seven months of closure during the coronavirus pandemic, and she relaxed a cap so more people can attend funerals and other indoor events.
The governor also issued an order requiring K-5 students — not just those in grades 6-12 — to wear masks in classrooms outside of northern Michigan beginning Oct. 5. She mandated that public and private schools publish information about confirmed or probable COVID-19 cases. She had previously strongly recommended face coverings for K-5 students in classrooms in most regions of the state.
Masks continue to be required in school hallways, common areas and on buses.
Indoor cinemas, performance venues, arcades, bingo halls, bowling alleys, indoor climbing facilities and trampoline parks — which have been operating in less-populated northern counties since June — can reopen statewide starting Oct. 9. They must limit occupancy to ensure 6 feet of distance between non-household members.
Whitmer revised a 10-person limit for indoor social gatherings and events in much of Michigan to allow bigger crowds in non-residential venues like banquet halls — 20 people per 1,000 square feet or 20% of fixed seating capacity, withamaximumof 500 people in the largest venues. Outdoor gatherings and events, limitedto 100people in southern counties, can have 30 people per 1,000 square feet at a non-residential venue or 30% of seating capacity— up to 1,000 people.
Whitmer, a Democrat who has gradually reopened the economy overmany months, said she took some of the most aggressive steps in the country to curb the deadly virus in the spring, when it hit and threatened to overwhelmDetroit-area hospitals. More than 7,000 confirmed or probable deaths have been linked to COVID-19, though the death rate is well below what it was in April andMay. The state is faring better than its neighbors, enablingmovie theaters and entertainment venues to reopen, she said.