Gov. Whitmer says easing Michigan restrictions will be tied to vaccination rate

LANSING, Mich.—Governor Gretchen Whitmer and state health officials on Thursday gave an update on COVID-19 in Michigan.

Whitmer announced a plan to base the easing of restrictions in the state on the vaccination rate.

The plan called “Mi Vacc to Normal” works towards the state’s goal of vaccinating 70% of Michiganders 16 and older.

Four vaccination-based milestones make up the plan. Once the percentage of Michiganders are vaccinated at each level, the easing of certain restrictions will follow 14 days later.

55% of Michiganders vaccinated, plus 14 days:

• Allows in-person work for all sectors of business

60% of Michiganders vaccinated, plus 14 days:

• Increases indoor capacity at sports stadiums to 25%. 
• Increases indoor capacity at conference centers/banquet halls/funeral homes to 25%. 
• Increases capacity at exercise facilities and gyms to 50%. 
• Lifts the curfew on restaurants and bars.   

65% of Michiganders vaccinated, plus 14 days:

• Lifts all indoor % capacity limits, requiring only social distancing between parties.
• Further relaxes limits on residential social gatherings.

70% of Michiganders vaccinated, plus 14 days:

• Lifts the Gatherings and Face Masks Order such that MDHHS will no longer employ broad mitigation measures unless unanticipated circumstances arise, such as the spread of vaccine-resistant variants

Whitmer said as of Thursday, 48.8% of Michiganders over the age of 16 are vaccinated.