Workplace Law Lowdown | Governor Whitmer Amends MI Safe Start Order to Limit Indoor Gatherings, Close Bars and Open Casinos
07/30/20
Yesterday evening July 29, 2020, citing a recent increase in COVID-19 cases, Governor Whitmer issued Executive Orders 2020-160 & 2020-161 (the “Orders”), taking effect July 31.
Indoor & Outdoor Gatherings
All indoor gatherings statewide (public and private) are now limited to 10 people or less. Theaters, gyms, water parks, and other similar indoor recreational or entertainment facilities remain closed with the exception of Regions 6 and 8. Across most of the state, the Orders limit outdoor gatherings to 100. However, the outdoor gathering limits will remain at 250 in Regions 6 and 8.1.
Bars to Close Indoor Service
The Order halts all indoor bar service where the establishment earns more than 70% of its gross receipts from selling alcohol. Notably, this order applies to Regions 6 and 8.
Casinos
Despite significant measures to reign in social gatherings, the Order allows Detroit’s three Casinos, closed since March 16, to reopen on August 5 at 15% capacity. However, all customers and employees must wear face coverings except when eating and drinking, no smoking is permitted within the casino and all entrants will be subject to health screenings and temperature checks.
To understand how EO No. 2020-160 and EO No. 2020-161 impacts your business, contact any member of Bodman’s Workplace Law Group. Bodman cannot respond to your questions or receive information from you without first clearing potential conflicts with other clients. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
1 For purposes of this order, Michigan comprises eight separate regions. Region 6 includes the following counties: Manistee, Wexford, Missaukee, Roscommon, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Crawford, Leelanau, Antrim, Otsego, Montmorency, Alpena, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Presque Isle, and Emmet. Region 8 includes the following counties: Gogebic, Ontonagon, Houghton, Keweenaw, Iron, Baraga, Dickinson, Marquette, Menominee, Delta, Alger, Schoolcraft, Luce, Mackinac, and Chippewa. See E.O. 2020-160, (f), (h).