SOUTHERN WAYNE COUNTY REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: Governor Announces November 18 MDHHS Epidemic Order, Including Return of Restrictions on Specific Businesses, Closing Dine-In Restaurant Service, Theaters, and More

By Press release submission

Nov 18, 2020

Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber of Commerce issued the following announcement on Nov. 16.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS) announced a new Gatherings & Face Mask Order, instating a three-week pause plan introducing restrictions and indoor service closures on specific businesses throughout Michigan in an effort to slow the increase in COVID-19 cases. The order rescinds the previous October 29, 2020 Order, under the authority of the Public Health Code, Act 368, MCL333.2253. The restrictions take effect on Wednesday, November 18, and expire on Tuesday, December 8. The current October 29 MDHHS Order remains in effect until November 18.

According to the Order, the following services and businesses are to suspend indoor/in-person operations: All non-residential indoor gatherings are prohibited; In-person learning at high schools, colleges and universities; Businesses must require remote work for employees with the exception of essential workers who must conduct operations in-person; Indoor dining at restaurants and bars must be suspended; Theaters, casinos, stadiums and arenas; Bowling centers, ice skating rinks, and indoor water parks; Bingo halls, casinos and arcades; And in-person group fitness classes are not permitted.

The Order permits gatherings with specific restrictions in place at specific food service venues only such as college cafeterias, soup kitchens, and more. Outdoor dining at restaurants require that parties are seated at no more than 6 per table, and tables are at least 6 feet apart.

According to the Order, the following services and businesses are permitted: Indoor residential gatherings are permitted up to 2 households and no more than 10 people; Preschool up to 8th grade can conduct in-person classes; Childcare facilities; Manufacturing, construction and other work that cannot be conducted remotely; Public transit; Personal services such as hair salons and barber shops; Gyms and pools for individual exercise; Restaurants and bars for outdoor dining, carryout and delivery only; Professional sports without spectators; Parks and outdoor recreation; Funerals up to 25 people; And healthcare facilities.

RETAIL and other businesses: Capacity restrictions and other rules are increased for businesses according to the November 18, 2020 MDHHS Epidemic Order, including a limitation of 30% occupancy capacity for retail stores.

Original source can be found here.