What It'll Look Like When Michigan Swimming Pools Open Monday

MICHIGAN — Beginning Monday, Michigan residents who remain restricted from some public activities can just keep swimming, as the state earlier this week announced public pools will be permitted to reopen.

The news is a welcome sign for many residents in Michigan, a state that has featured 58,241 total cases of the coronavirus and 5,595 deaths related to the virus. The state reported 206 new cases and 25 new deaths Thursday.

But just as restaurants, bars and other eateries — which are also allowed to reopen Monday — come with restrictions, so will public access pools. Here is what that might look like.

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Fewer Swimmers to Start

Don't be surprised if you get to enjoy part of the pool to yourself. The executive order signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer earlier this week stipulates that pools can reopen, but only at 50 percent capacity. This is also only relevant for outdoor pools. Indoor pools still need to remain closed, according to the order.

Local municipalities have the ability to make their own rulings, however, to close outdoor pools if they deem it necessary. Earlier this week, several southeast Michigan counties ruled that they would open public pools after announcing last week they would be closed.

Oakland, Macomb, Wayne counties, as well as Detroit, have said public outdoor pools will be open.

Other Outdoor Facilities

Outdoor parks and recreational facilities are allowed to be open, as long as they provide guidelines for social distancing and close areas in which social distancing can't take place, according to the order.

In Oakland County, outdoor playgrounds will be allowed to reopen Friday, the county announced this week. To adhere to state mandates, they released a list of safety measures they are recommending, such as social distancing and arriving to the parks in small groups.

Michigan Slowly Reopening

Michigan communities are slowly reopening economic sectors and are doing so with help from state and federal assistance.

In Macomb County, the county is distributing Back-To-Business Kits containing items that will help keep employees safe from the coronavirus as businesses open.

The county also provided funding to businesses to help as they reopen.