Gyms can reopen at limited capacity and organized sports can resume in Michigan under new executive orders that Gov. Gretchen Whitmer released Thursday.
The orders are the 175th and 176th ones Whitmer has issued since the start of the pandemic. She has issued more than 170 orders since declaring a state of emergency.
The orders would allow Michigan gyms and pools to reopen at 25% capacity starting Wednesday with strict protocols in place, including mask use at all times and distancing of six feet between workout stations and individuals participating in classes.
Gym patrons must provide their name and phone number or will be denied entry. Saunas and jacuzzis must remain closed.
Indoor pools will be capped at 25% capacity, while outdoor pools remain capped at 50%.
“I urge everyone who plans to hit the gym after these orders go into effect to take these precautions seriously and do everything in their power to protect themselves and their families," Whitmer said in a Thursday statement. "Be smart, and stay safe.”
Indoor organized sports also can resume, but guests will be limited to two per athlete. Outdoor organized sports would be limited to up to 100 guests.
Athletes will be required to wear masks, except when swimming, and should maintain six feet of distance when "compatible," according to Whitmer's order.
Bowling and ice rinks may only open for organized sports, according to the order.
There is no mention in the orders of the reopening of movie theaters in lower Michigan, where they have been shuttered since March.
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services rules that were issued in tandem with the orders recommend against contact sports such as football, wrestling or soccer at schools and universities. But the department said the guidance could be adjusted with updated epidemiological data.
The health department's guidance recommends frequent hand-washing, proper disinfecting of facilities or shared equipment, avoidance of shared items such as towels or water bottles, avoidance of post-game high fives or handshakes, and limitations on carpools.
There have been at least 30 outbreak investigations in recent weeks linked to sports teams, clubs and gyms, according to the state health department. The outbreaks can easily spread beyond the team and to the community.
“Individuals can now choose whether or not to play organized sports, and if they do choose to play, this order requires strict safety measures to reduce risk,” Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun said Thursday.
The orders do not detail exceptions for ancillary activities such as marching band or cheerleading.
Whitmer's administration has been hinting at the reopening of gyms and other shuttered businesses for about three weeks as calls to reopen the facilities have mounted.
Most businesses in Michigan closed abruptly March 23 when Whitmer issued her Stay Home, Stay Safe order in an attempt to control the spread of the virus.
She gradually loosened the restrictions, allowing 17 northern Michigan counties and the Upper Peninsula to reopen restaurants, bars, gyms and movie theaters in May. She re-tightened bar restrictions there in July.
Lower Michigan restaurants reopened in June.
Last month, Whitmer allowed Detroit's three casinos to reopen at 15% capacity.
On Aug. 20, a day after the governor said her department was studying the possibility of reopening gyms, movie theaters and bowling alleys, four of the state's largest business groups wrote Whitmer encouraging her to follow through with the consideration.
The following week, Whitmer told media she wouldn't be "bullied" into reopening the businesses.
On Tuesday, Khaldun said she didn't think "the governor has made any decisions there yet."
"I can tell you the virus has not changed at all," Khaldun told WDET. "There's still no vaccine. There's still no approved antiviral treatment. We're still seeing outbreaks across the state."
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