Michigan Governor Updates Reopening and Workplace Safety Executive Orders
On July 29, 2020, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Orders 2020-160 and 2020-161. EO 2020-160 reaffirms many of the prior restrictions while tightening some, and permits the opening of casinos and racetracks, effective Aug. 5. EO 2020-161 is an amended version of EO 2020-145 and adds provisions relating to safety protocols for casinos and racetracks upon reopening.
EO 2020-160 made the following changes:
- Indoor sport venues, cinemas and entertainment facilities are closed, but there are exceptions for certain indoor venues, including cinemas, in Regions 6 and 8 (the Traverse City Region and the Upper Peninsula) (click here to see a map of the Regions)
- Licensed casinos and racetracks may be open on Aug. 5, 2020, subject to the rules on workplace safeguards prescribed in EO 2020-161.
- The number of people that can be in a gathering or event is limited as follows:
|
| Regions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7 | Regions 6 and 8 |
| Indoor | 10 people | 10 people |
| Outdoor | 100 people | 250 people; but for certain outdoor events, 25% maximum capacity or 500 people, whichever smaller. |
These capacity limits do not apply to incidental gatherings of persons in shared spaces such as workplaces, public transportation stations, and restaurants. Gatherings and events are only permissible only if people who are not part of the same household can, and do, maintain six feet of distance from each other.
Bars earning more than 70% of their gross receipts from the sales of alcoholic beverages must remained closed for indoor service and prohibit patrons from entering the establishment except to access the outdoor area, leave the establishment or use the restroom. Outdoor parks and recreational facilities may remain open to the extent reasonable accommodations have been made to ensure social distancing. Public outdoor swimming pools also may remain open with 50% capacity limits. Public indoor swimming pools may be open only in Regions 6 and 8 with 25% capacity limits.
If you have questions about EOs 2020-160 and 2020-161, please contact your Miller Canfield attorney or the authors of this alert.
