Detroit Regional Chamber > Business Resources > COVID-19 > The Latest: Personal Care Services Including Salons, Barbershops Reopen Statewide June 15

The Latest: Personal Care Services Including Salons, Barbershops Reopen Statewide June 15

June 5, 2020
Michigan’s economic recovery takes a major step forward on Monday, May 15 with the reopening of salons, barbershops, and personal care services — sending thousands of employees back to work. Other services reopening today include bottle return machines, summer camps, and school-related sports activities.

Metro Detroit fitness studios and gyms, movie theaters, and Detroit’s casinos remain closed with no opening date in site from the governor. Industry professionals from each of those categories have devised reopening plans and called on the governor for clearance.

Southeast Michigan remains “Phase Four” of the MI Safe Start Plan, which Gov. Whitmer unveiled last month with the Michigan Economic Recovery Council. Phase Four means that COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations are clearly declining. Staying home remains the safest option, but the state is gradually resuming many in-person work and activities as long as social distancing measures continue. Learn more on Phase Four by watching the webinar below.


The Latest Announcements on Michigan’s Reopening

Michigan continues to reopen as hospitalizations reached an all-time low this week dropping 82% compared to the mid-April peak. Today, Gov. Whitmer announced that on Monday, June 15, personal services including hair, massages, and nails will reopen statewide.

Starting on Wednesday, June 10, Regions Six and Eight — which include much of northern Michigan and all of the Upper Peninsula — will advance to Phase Five of the governor’s MI Safe Start Plan. Phase Five allows the reopening of salons, movie theaters, and gyms, subject to safety protocols and procedures designed to minimize the spread of COVID-19.

Though the remaining regions, One through Five and Seven, will remain in Phase Four under today’s executive orders, the governor has said she expects the entire state will advance to Phase Five in the coming weeks.

MDHHS Chief Deputy for Health and Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun said they will continue to monitor the data.

“Although the risk levels are going down, it does not mean it has gone away. Please remain vigilant, wear your mask, practice social distancing, and remain patient as we continue to fight COVID-19 together,” said Khaldun.

In addition, Gov. Whitmer has issued an updated rule laying out new workplace safeguards for gyms, in-home services, hair salons, and entertainment venues. Following these safeguards will ensure that workers and patrons alike remain protected as the state moves to reopen.


Under Phase Five:

    • Indoor social gatherings and organized events of up to 50 people are permissible.
    • Outdoor social gatherings and organized events are also allowed if people maintain six feet of distance from one another and the gathering consists of no more than 250 people.
    • Outdoor performance and sporting venues will be open with a larger capacity limit of 500, which will allow for some outdoor graduation ceremonies.




Executive Orders Earlier in the Week Made the Following Changes:

Stay Home Order Lifted, Some Business Remains Closed or Restricted

There’s been a flurry of activity, but here are the basics:

  •  Michiganders no longer have to stay home, the order is lifted. We are gradually resuming in-person work and activities with proper social distancing.
  • Certain businesses will remain closed and activities that present a higher likelihood of spreading infection will remain prohibited until further notice.
  • Retailers are allowed to reopen and resume operations on Thursday, June 4.

June 8 Is a Big Day for Reopening Plan – With Social Distancing in Place

Many other businesses and activities are allowed to reopen on Monday, June 8, but will be subject to safety guidelines to mitigate the risk of infection. These include:

  • Restaurants and bars, but with 50% capacity restrictions. Individuals may remove masks or face coverings to eat or drink once seated at a restaurant or bar.
  • Outdoor gatherings of 100 or less are permitted as long as people maintain six feet of distance from one another.
  • Indoor gatherings of people not of the same household are allowed, but remain restricted to 10 or fewer.
  • Children’s day camps, libraries, museums, and swimming pools may reopen.
  • Outdoor fitness classes, athletic practices, sports can resume.

Social Distancing, Masks Usage, Remote Working Must Continue

  • The order may be lifted, but social distancing measures including maintaining 6 feet of separation must continue.
  • Masks should be worn – by employees and customers – in enclosed public spaces.
  • Despite the fact offices can reopen, any work that can be performed remotely should continue.

Criteria for Next Phase? Being Prepared to Quickly Contain Additional Outbreak

Phase 5 would mean that COVID-19 case and death rates are continuing to decline and the state is prepared to quickly contain additional outbreaks.

For those wondering when Michigan might enter its next phase, below are the items that the Governor uses to decide to maintain, rescind or advance Michigan’s restrictions.

(1) Data on COVID-19 infections and the disease’s rate of spread.

(2) Whether sufficient medical personnel, hospital beds, and ventilators exist to meet anticipated medical needs.

(3) Availability of personal protective equipment for the health care workforce.

(4) The state’s capacity to test for COVID-19 cases and isolate infected people.

(5) Economic conditions in the state.

For more information, visit the Detroit Regional Chamber’s Business Restart Center. The Governor’s full Executive Order from Monday, June 1 is available online.