Michigan’s Gathering and Mask Orders to Be Lifted July 1
On Thursday, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer along with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced that things will be mostly back to normal in Michigan beginning July 1.
Beginning June 1, 2021, all capacity limits will be lifted for outdoor events in the state of Michigan. At that time, indoor capacity limits will increase to 50%.
A month later, on July 1, 2021, the state will live all capacity limits for both indoor and outdoor gatherings. At that time, the curfew for bars and restaurants will also be lifted.
Governor Whitmer stated that the changes have been made to Michigan's Vacc to Normal plan following new guidance from the CDC which states that vaccinated individuals no longer need to mask up indoors and outdoors.
Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist stated that these changes are able to be made because many Michiganders have taken the steps to get vaccinated. He also said, "I will remain focused on encouraging every Michigander to make a vaccine appointment if they haven’t already. This is how we move forward, together."
The Michigan Department of Health and Humane Services will release an updated epidemic order on Monday, May 24, 2021 that will reflect the changes laid out today.
People who are not vaccinated will still be required to wear masks at indoor and outdoor gatherings until at least July 1, 2021. When asked if there will be another mask order for unvaccinated Michiganders, Governor Whitmer responded,
We may have one or more targeted orders in place to protect vulnerable populations, but for the most part, life will be back to normal and we can have the kind of Independence Day we’re all looking forward to.