Gov. Gretchen Whitmer: "It has not been easy." (Photo: State of Michigan)
Indoor dining in Michigan restarts Feb. 1, with reduced capacity.
Under the governor's revised order, which runs through Feb. 21, restaurants and bars must limit seating to 25 percent capacity with up to 100 people. They must close by 10 p.m. daily and have tables six feet apart, with a limit of six people per table.
Food and beverage concessions can restart at casinos, theaters and stadiums.
"I know this pandemic has hurt restaurant owners or restaurant workers, and all of their families. I want to thank those that made incredible sacrifices and did their part, on behalf of our protecting our communities from Covid," Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said.
“I've spoken with a number of restaurant owners over the course of these months. I know that it has not been easy. I want you to know that I will continue to do everything in my power to support you and your family."
These health safety rules also are in place for at least three weeks:
- No mingling on dance floors or other common areas.
- Indoor diners must give contact information for tracing in case a patron develops Covid.
- Business must shut for deep cleaning if an employee contracts Covid or shows symptoms at work.
Indoor dining remains riskty, says Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, the state's chief medical officer. Reopening "does not mean it is 100% safe or that you should do it," she said Friday.
