(WXYZ) — Hair salons, barbershops, spas and more will be able to open in Michigan on June 15, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced on Friday.
Whitmer signed two executive orders which reopened more regions and other sectors under the MI Safe Start Plan.
Related: Read the full executive order reopening salons, barbershops on June 15
According to Whitmer's office, Regions 6 and 8 which include the Traverse City area and Upper Peninsula will move into Phase 5 of the plan. That means salons, movie theaters, gyms and more can open. It's expected the rest of the state will move into phase 5 in the coming weeks.
Then, on June 15, personal services including hair, massages and nails will reopen statewide. Regions 1-5 and 7 will remain in phase 4.
Earlier this week, Whitmer announced that restaurants and bars will be able to open with 50% capacity on Monday, June 8 as the state moves into phase 4.
“Today marks another milestone in the safe reopening of Michigan’s economy,” Governor Whitmer said. “As we continue to slowly reopen different parts of our state, it’s critical that we listen to the experts and follow the medical science to avoid a second wave of infections. The good news is that we are headed in the right direction, and if the current trajectory continues, I anticipate we'll be able to announce more sectors reopening in the coming weeks. We owe it to our front line workers to keep doing our part.”
“We are still on an encouraging trajectory across the state, and while there are regional differences, we are seeing continued general rates of decline in cases and deaths,” said MDHHS Chief Deputy for Health and Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun. “While we must continue to monitor the data, because of these positive trends we are able to move forward, on a regional basis, with the next phases of the MI Safe Start Plan. Although the risk levels are going down, it does not mean it has gone away. Please remain vigilant, wear your mask, practice social distancing, and remain patient as we continue to fight COVID-19 together.”
Under phase 5, indoor social gatherings and organized events of up to 50 people are allowed, and outdoor social gatherings and organized events are allowed with 250 people or less.
Under Phase 5, indoor social gatherings and organized events of up to 50 people are permissible. Outdoor social gatherings and organized events are also allowed if people maintain six feet of distance from one another and the gathering consists of no more than 250 people. In addition, outdoor performance and sporting venues will be open with a larger capacity limit of 500, which will allow for some outdoor graduation ceremonies.
“I'm grateful that the U.P. is moving forward today to reopen more businesses in phase 5. This hasn't been easy balancing the safety of residents and our economy, but our numbers show the Governor's Stay Home, Stay Safe order worked,” said Rep. Sara Cambensy. “Even after Memorial Day weekend, we didn't see a spike in Covid-19 cases. This should give residents, businesses and travelers to our region the confidence and reassurance that we are resilient and ready to responsibly start our U.P. summer season."
“Arts and culture are vital aspects of Northern Michigan’s economy and directly contribute to the quality of life for our residents,” said Megan DeWindt, Site Director for Crooked Tree Arts Center in Petoskey. “These aspects of our community also enhance the experiences of our visitors, particularly during the summer months. Across the ten-county Northwest Michigan region, nearly 100 nonprofit and public entities provide opportunities to access and participate in music, performing arts, and visual arts. We are ready to safely welcome guests back into the region’s galleries, museums, theaters, and performance spaces. Northern Michigan is known for supporting and celebrating local, regional, and national artists and performers, and we are excited to resume that tradition.”
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