Gov. Whitmer will lift all Covid-19 restrictions June 22

Image via AP

For weeks, July 1 has been the targeted date to end Covid restrictions.

It was a reasonable goal. It was close to 4th of July, often the biggest party day of the Summer, and it would essentially announce that the state would be open for the Summer.

But now they are moving up the timeline significantly.

This coincides with the number of cases dropping dramatically, as reported by Fox 2 Detroit, “Any evidence of the surprise surge that washed over the state in February and March has all but evaporated, with 61% of the state vaccinated and the number of new cases being reported falling to the low hundreds.

On Wednesday, the state reported another 179 cases, which is a far cry from the 7,000 cases being reported only a few months ago.”

Now it is looking like the restrictions could be lifted as early as next week. Originally, the governor stated that restrictions would be lifted when the state reached 70% vaccination rates, the threshold scientists say is needed for herd immunity, but things are changing, “ The original plan was to lift rules after 70% of the state had gotten vaccinated. But the pace of people getting their first shot fell dramatically shortly after that goal was set, and it's unlikely the state reaches 70% before the end of the summer, at the pace it's currently tracking.”

But now things are speeding up. Just yesterday, the governor announced that she will be lifting Covid precautions on June 22 over a week ahead of schedule. The governor said, “"Today is a day that we have all been looking forward to, as we can safely get back to normal day-to-day activities and put this pandemic behind us," said Whitmer. "We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the medical experts and health professionals who stood on the front lines to keep us all safe."

This means that the following restrictions will be lifted:

Masks

People, no matter their vaccination status, can go indoors without a mask.

Capacity Limits

Previously, the state mandated a 50% capacity limit for indoor activities, but after the 22nd that will be lifted.

Also, the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration will change its guidelines to allow people to return to in-person work environments.

Limits on bars and restaurants as well as sporting events are also lifted.

It is important to note these are the guideline set by the state, individual mandates by businesses are different and they can still enforce mask wearing and other precautions if they chose.

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