(WXYZ) — Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive order closing indoor service at bars throughout most of Michigan to protect the state as the number of COVID-19 cases is growing.
Related: Whitmer signs bill allowing bars to sell cocktails to-go, increase discounts & sell 2-for-1 drinks
It includes all regions except the Traverse City area and Upper Peninsula. Bars statewide can continue to serve outdoors.
“We owe it to our front line heroes who have sacrificed so much during this crisis to do everything we can to slow the spread of COVID-19 and reduce the chance of a resurgence like we are seeing in other states,” said Governor Whitmer. “Following recent outbreaks tied to bars, I am taking this action today to slow the spread of the virus and keep people safe. If we want to be in a strong position to reopen schools for in-person classroom instruction this fall, then we need to take aggressive action right now to ensure we don’t wipe out all the progress we have made.”
Related: Read the entire executive order closing indoor service at bars in most of Michigan
The governor's office said nearly 25% of COVID-19 diagnoses in June were people between 20-29. She also added that as bars reopened, some have had large outbreaks, including at Harper's Bar in East Lansing where 107 confirmed cases have been linked.
“I urge all Michiganders to double down on mitigation tactics like wearing masks, practicing physical distancing, and washing hands, so we can get our trajectory headed in the right direction again,” said Governor Whitmer. “If we open up our economy too quickly, the efforts of the last three months will be for nothing and we will have to go through this pain all over again and put our economy, health and medical system at risk. Nobody wants to move backward. Everyone, please do your part, and let’s show the nation and the world how smart we are.”
The order applies to establishments with on-premises retailer liquor licenses that earn more than 70% of their gross receipts from alcohol sales. That means that most brewpubs, distilleries, and vineyards can stay open indoors. Traditional bars, nightclubs, and strip clubs will have to end indoor service.
“Bars will not have to close down completely, but may still offer outdoor seating and use creative methods like cocktails-to-go in hopes that we can bring our numbers down,” Governor Whitmer said. “I am hopeful providing options for cocktails-to-go and expanded social districts will ensure these businesses can remain open and Michiganders can safely and responsibly enjoy their summer outdoors.”
Whitmer halts indoor service at bars in most of Michigan – outdoor service can continue by WXYZ-TV Channel 7 Detroit on Scribd
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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