Legislative Updates

MDHHS issued an epidemic order on October 9, 2020, mirroring executive orders previously issued to prevent the spread of COVID19. The order takes effect immediately and remains in effect until Oct. 30.

Under the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services order:

Indoor gatherings of more than 10 and up to 500 persons occurring at a nonresidential venue are permitted only to the extent that the organizers and venue:

• In venues with fixed seating, limit attendance to 20% of seating capacity of the venue, provided however that gatherings at up to 25% of seating capacity are permitted in Region 6;
• In venues without fixed seating, limit attendance to 20 persons per 1,000 square feet in each occupied room, provided however that gatherings of up to 25 persons per 1,000 square feet in each occupied room are permitted in Region 6;
• Require that each person at the gathering wears a face covering except as provided in section 6 of this order.

 

Outdoor gatherings of more than 100 and up to 1,000 persons occurring at a nonresidential venue with fixed seating are permitted only to the extent that the organizers and venue:

• In venues with fixed seating, limit attendance to 30% of seating capacity; 
• In venues without fixed seating, limit attendance to 30 persons per 1,000 square feet, including within any distinct area within the event space; 
• Require that each person at the gathering wear a face covering except as provided in section 6 of this order.

 

Masks must be worn at any gatherings occurring at businesses, offices, schools, childcare facilities, sporting events and other non-residential events.

1. Businesses cannot admit individuals who do not wear a face covering, and there are few exceptions.
2. The mask requirement continues to apply for organized gatherings larger than 10 indoors and 100 outdoors

1. Except in Region 6 (Traverse City region), a gathering at a retail store, library or museum may not exceed 50% of total occupancy limit established by state or local fire marshal. (This indicates NO capacity but the distance of 6ft still applies)
2. Gatherings at recreational sports and exercise facilities are prohibited if they exceed 25% of the total occupancy limits established by the by state or local fire marshal, or if there is less than six feet of distance between each workout station.
3. Gatherings at non-tribal casinos may not exceed 15% of total occupancy limits established by state or local fire marshal.
4. Food service establishments may not exceed 50% of normal seating capacity.
5. Capacity limits also apply to outdoor gatherings but are less strict.
6. Restaurants and bars have capacity limits for gatherings and may only serve alcohol to parties who are seated, six feet apart, and remain separate.
7. Organized sports require face coverings and have gathering limits.
8. Individuals who are in isolation or quarantine because of COVID-19 exposure, symptoms, or test results cannot go to work with others, and employers cannot require them to come to work in person with anyone else present.

Read the full order here.