Michiganderers can dine in restaurants again starting Feb. 1, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer told a news conference Friday.
“The break worked,” Whitmer said. “Our efforts together to protect our families, front-line workers, and hospitals have dramatically reduced cases and saved lives. We are now confident that starting February 1, , restaurants can resume their meal indoors, with safety measures in place. ”
Before the Department of Health and Human Services’ three-week order limited social gatherings launched Nov. 15, Michigan had 734 cases of Coivd-19 per million inhabitants, Whitmer said. The state has now seen a 70 percent reduction to 177 cases per million, according to the governor.
“I know that this pandemic has hurt restaurant owners, restaurant workers and all their families. I want to thank those who made incredible sacrifices and did their part, in the name of protecting our communities from Covid, ”said Whitmer.
Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, executive director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, further clarified that the restaurants will operate at a capacity of 25% and must meet a 22:00 stop time.
“I am just happy to be able to move forward. We know that restaurant owners want to protect their owners and help end this pandemic, “Khaldun said, but said he wanted to remind people that scientists and doctors have reiterated that being indoors without a mask , is one of the most risky activities people can do when it comes to spreading Covid-19.
“It simply came to our notice then. The safest thing to do, especially if you are elderly, have underlying medical conditions or live with someone who is elderly or has underlying medical conditions, ”said Khaldun. “The safest thing to do is not to be in a restaurant, but we still want you to order from them, however, you can support them with home delivery or with the meal at the door.”