New Executive Orders Reopen Venues Like Movie Theaters, Bowling Alleys; Boost Mask Requirements in Schools

Beginning Oct. 9, a number of previously closed businesses are slated to reopen statewide, including indoor theaters, cinemas, performance venues, arcades, bingo halls, bowling centers, indoor climbing facilities, trampoline parks, and more.

Related: Letter: Chamber and Business Groups Working Together to Help Remaining Businesses Open Safely

Under Executive Order 2020-183, instead of being limited to 10 people, non-residential indoor gatherings and events now must limit attendance to 20 people per 1,000 square feet or 20% percent of fixed seating capacity, with a maximum of 500 people in Michigan’s largest venues. Non-residential indoor venues must require a face covering. Instead of being limited to 100 people, non-residential outdoor gatherings and events now must limit attendance to 30 people per 1,000 square feet or 30% of fixed seating capacity, with a maximum of 1,000 people. Regions 6 and 8 are subject to the same rules covered in the revised MI Safe Start order, except non-residential indoor venues may allow up to 25 people per 1,000 square feet or 25% of fixed seating capacity, with a maximum of 500 people in the regions’ largest venues.

Executive Order 2020-185 requires all students in grades kindergarten and up in regions 1-5 and 7 to wear a face covering in classrooms. Prior orders had recommended, but not required, a face covering for grades K-5.

The governor also signed Executive Order 2020-184, which updates the Governor’s previous order on workplace safeguards to reflect the changes in the MI Safe Start Order.

View the official announcement in a press release from the Governor’s office.