Indoor Dining Is An Option Again In Michigan: What To Know

MICHIGAN — Michigan residents can eat at some of their favorite restaurants and bars again beginning Monday, as indoor dining resumes. But before you and your family head out for your favorite grub, here are a few things to be aware of.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer first announced statewide restrictions — which included a ban on indoor dining at Michigan eateries, restricted indoor social gatherings and other group activities — Nov. 15, 2020, after the state saw a significant uptick in new cases and deaths stemming from the coronavirus.

As of Saturday, 559,241 cases of the coronavirus had been confirmed in Michigan. The state also reported Saturday that 481,801 people in the state had recovered from the coronavirus.

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That order took effect on Nov. 18 but was extended several times before the governor announced on Jan. 13 that she was aiming at allowing restaurants to reopen to indoor service on Feb. 1.

Feb. 1 is finally here, but there will be some restrictions in place as Michiganders head out. Here's what to know:

What's Open

A long list of businesses and types of gatherings are finally permitted again in Michigan. The list includes gatherings with people from two households (with high precautions) and small outdoor gatherings of up to 25 people. Funerals can be held with up to 25 people as well.

The list of Michigan businesses that are now open amid the pandemic includes manufacturing and construction jobs that can't be done remotely, hair salons, barbershops and other personal care businesses; gyms, pools, roller and ice rinks; restaurants and bars; theaters, movie theaters, stadiums and arenas; bowling centers; bingo halls, casinos and arcades; and indoor fitness classes.

Retail businesses, PreK-12th grade classes can be held in person and healthcare businesses also can be open.

What's Closed

Workplaces in which the work can be done from home are supposed to be closed, according to the executive order passed on Jan. 22 by the MDHHS. Night clubs, water parks and contact sports also remain closed, according to the order.

You Can Dine Inside, But Restrictions Remain

Restrictions for indoor dining include limitations on how many people can be inside respective businesses at one time and also a curfew. Restaurants and bars will be allowed to reopen at 25 percent capacity with up to 100 people. Tables must be 6 feet apart with no more than six people per table. Outdoor tents with four sides are permitted under these same rules. Bars and restaurants must close by 10 p.m. Contact information must be collected from customers for contact tracing purposes, as well