COVID-19 Cases by MERC Region
*Note: All regions except the Upper Peninsula are now classified as medium-high risk.
Latest Update: Governor Whitmer Amends MI Safe Start Order to Limit Indoor Gatherings, Save Lives
On July 29, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-160 and Executive Order 2020-161, amending Michigan’s Safe Start Order and issuing revised workplace safeguards. The Safe Start Order, starting July 31, 2020:
- Prohibits any indoor social gatherings of more than 10 people statewide.
- Closes bars across the state, including in the Traverse City region and the Upper Peninsula
- Allows for the reopening of the Detroit casinos, subject to a 15% capacity limit and strict workplace safeguards
Michigan in Phase 4 of Safe Start Plan, Northern Regions Move into Phase 5
On June 1, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced that she will rescind the “Safer at Home” Executive Order, moving the state into Phase Four of the MI Safe Start Plan — the “Improving” phase. According to the Plan, Phase Four occurs when the number of new cases and death has fallen for a period of time, but overall case levels are high. Additionally, it occurs when most new outbreaks are quickly identified, traced, and contained due to robust testing infrastructure and rapid contact tracing.
On June 5, Gov. Whitmer announced starting on June 10, Regions 6 and 8 — which include much of northern Michigan and all of the Upper Peninsula — will advance to Phase 5 of the governor’s MI Safe Start Plan. Phase 5 allows the reopening of salons, movie theaters, and gyms, subject to safety protocols and procedures designed to minimize the spread of COVID-19.
On June 15, personal services including hair, massages, and nails will reopen statewide. Though the remaining regions, 1 through 5 and 7, will remain in Phase 4 under June 5’s executive orders, the governor has said she expects the entire state will advance to Phase 5 in the coming weeks.
On July 1, Gov. Whitmer signed an executive order which closes indoor service at bars throughout much of lower Michigan effective July 1 at 11 p.m. This excludes Regions Six and Eight including the Upper Peninsula and much of northern Michigan. Outdoor service can continue at bars statewide. Gov. Whitmer also signed into law Senate Bill 942 and House Bills 5781 and 5811, measures the Chamber supported through the legislative process. These laws allow the sale of cocktails-to-go at bars and restaurants and expand social districts with additional outdoor seating and areas that allow visitors to gather while physically distancing.
| Phase 4 Click to Expand |
Phase 5 Click to Expand |
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Updated Aug. 4, 2020
*Note: Under the Safe Start Order, as of July 31, 2020, statewide indoor gatherings are limited to 10 people and bars will be closed for indoor service across the state, including in Regions 6 and 8.
Phases of Gov. Whitmer’s MI Safe Start Plan
With the Governor’s latest announcements, the state can now reengage safely in many activities. Most businesses and organizations will be open throughout this phase under strict safety measures. All activities listed above require the wearing of masks and maintaining proper social distancing.
Michiganders must continue to wear face coverings when in enclosed public spaces and should continue to take all reasonable precautions to protect themselves, their co-workers, their loved ones, and their communities. Indoor social gatherings and events of more than 10 people are prohibited. Outdoor social gatherings and events are permitted so long as people maintain six feet of distance from one another and the assemblage consists of no more than 100 people.
PPE Supply Connect — Masks, Shields, and More
As businesses across Michigan prepare to reopen or welcome employees back, having the proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to protect their employees and customers will help ensure a successful restart. Our goal is to help connect those who have supplies with those who need supplies. Connect to PPE supply.
What are the PPE Requirements to Reopen? View the State of Michigan Guidelines for Business.
