State loosens health restrictions; indoor dining still banned
During a Wednesday press conference, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and state health officials announced some changes to COVID-19 restrictions in Michigan, though health orders involving activities that have drawn the most criticism from Republican legislators and some counties remain in effect.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is allowing additional activities where Michiganders can remain masked and socially distanced. This includes indoor group exercise and non-contact sports. The new order is effective Saturday, Jan. 16 and will last until Sunday, Jan. 31.
“Previously, MDHHS had identified stabilization or declines in three metrics as critical for relaxing protocols. Although Michigan saw improvements across all three following the ‘pause’ implemented in mid-November, some numbers have plateaued or begun to increase in recent days”:
- Hospital capacity dedicated to COVID-19 patients has been in 13-day decline, with current capacity is at 12% for beds with COVID-19 patients. Peaked at 19.6% on Tuesday, Dec. 4
- Overall case rates: increasing, currently at 266 cases per million. Peaked at 740 cases per million on Saturday, Nov. 14 and declined to a low of 239 on Friday, Dec. 25
- Positivity rate: plateauing; currently at 9.1% after reaching a low of 8.1% on Monday, Dec. 28 and increasing up to 10% since then
“We are reopening cautiously because caution is working to save lives. The new order allows group exercise and non-contact sports, always with masks and social distancing, because in the winter it’s not as easy to get out and exercise and physical activity is important for physical and mental health,” said MDHHS Director Robert Gordon.
Indoor residential gatherings remain limited to 10 people and two households.
Also on Wednesday, Whitmer announced employee assistance grants for those whose employment at entertainment and recreational venues and restaurants. It is aimed at those from the hospitality, entertainment, recreation, accommodation and food services sectors -- as well as the gym and fitness sectors. Among key elements of the program are:
- Eligible individuals can apply for one-time grants of up to $1,650.
- A 10-day window to apply for this grant – from Jan. 15 to 25 (don’t apply until Friday)
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For details regarding the application process, go to www.MRLAEF.ORG/MONEY
- Applications will be processed through February and payments will be issued in March
