Michiganders can eat again at restaurants starting Feb. 1, Gov. announced. Gretchen Whitmer at a press conference Friday.
“The peace has worked,” Whitmer said. “The efforts we have put together to protect our families, frontline workers and hospitals have greatly reduced matters and have saved lives. Now, we are confident that, starting on 1 February, restaurants can resume indoor dining with safety measures in place. ”
Prior to the Department of Health and Human Services ’three-week fall order restricting social gatherings launched Nov. 15, Michigan had 734 cases of Coivd-19 per million residents, Whitmer said. The state has now seen a 70% reduction to 177 cases per million, according to the Governor.
“I know that this pandemic has hurt restaurant owners, our restaurant staff, and all their families. I want to thank those who have made, and made, wonderful sacrifices for the protection of our communities from Covid, ”said Whitmer.
Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, Chief Medical Officer of the Department of Health and Human Services, has further clarified that restaurants will be operating at 25% capacity and will have to watch a 10pm curfew.
“I am delighted that we can move forward in this way. We know that the owners of our restaurant want to protect their supporters and help stop this pandemic, ”said Khaldun, but said she wanted to remind people that scientists and doctors have repeatedly stated that being indoors, without a mask on, is one of the most dangerous activities. people can do it when it comes to the Covid-19 release.
“So now people have a choice. The safest thing to do, especially if you are older, have basic health conditions, or live with someone who is older or has basic health conditions, ”said Khaldun. “The safest thing to do is not to be inside a restaurant, but we still ask you to order from them though, you can support them with a takeout delivery, or an outdoor dinner.”