LANSING, Mi (Great Lakes News) – Michigan restaurants can open to indoor diners on February 1st.

In a press conference Friday morning, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said Michigan restaurants can open at 25% capacity with a curfew. In addition, concessions can resume at casinos, movie theaters, and stadiums.

Whitmer, in conjunction with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, wasted no time patting herself and her administration on the back, saying, “The three-week pause worked” and “The science is settled: masks work.” She also thanked restaurant owners and workers who have been shut down in some form or another for more than half of the past year because of what some in the industry are calling her arbitrary lockdowns.

Justin Winslow with the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association called the move “overdue news.”

In addition, Whitmer told restaurant owners, “I want you to know that I will do everything in my power to support you and your families.” Small business owners have repeatedly told Great Lakes News the best way Whitmer could support them is to allow them to open at full capacity while still maintaining safety measures.

Whitmer’s reopening protocol also strongly suggests restaurant owners revamp their HVAC systems for “maximum airflow” which will allow them to be listed on a state compliance website.

This particular reopening has an expiration date of February 21st.

 

This piece was written by Katie Heid on January 22, 2021. It originally appeared in GreatLakesNews.org and is used by permission.

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