FERNDALE, Mich. (WXYZ) — As restaurants try to fill the void during the pandemic, they hope diners will take advantage of the warmer weather this weekend.
Restaurants are required to limit capacity indoors.
On Friday, Michiganders enjoyed temperatures in the 60s and 70s on patios at popular eateries across metro Detroit.
Jasi Knapp is the owner of Assaggi Bistro, a Mediterranean restaurant in Ferndale.
"People are still hesitant to sit inside," Knapp said. "The patio has been wonderful all summer that's what's kept me alive."
Health experts recommend people dine outside instead of inside to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Governor Whitmer released a statement as Coronavirus cases surge in the state. The release said in part: "We are seeing record numbers of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. As we head into the winter months, more people will get sick, more people will be hospitalized, and more people will die from COVID-19."
New guidelines recently put in place require restaurants to collect the name and phone number of a guest for contact tracing. Some owners argue it will deter restaurant-goers, but it was implemented to notify a guest if they were potentially exposed.
Knapp calls the warmer weather a gift. "It makes people want to come out and eat," she said.
As coronavirus cases surge across the state of Michigan.
Additional Coronavirus information and resources:
Click here for a page with resources including a COVID-19 overview from the CDC, details on cases in Michigan, a timeline of Governor Gretchen Whitmer's orders since the outbreak, coronavirus' impact on Southeast Michigan, and links to more information from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the CDC and the WHO.
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