(WXYZ) — Gyms officially reopened in most of Michigan at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday morning, after being closed for nearly six months due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a new order last week that allowed gyms to reopen.
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Fitness centers and indoor pools have been open in the Upper Peninsula and Northern Michigan in June.
Under the governor's order, gyms will have to have a 25% capacity and face masks will be required inside gyms at all times, including exercise. The only exception is swimming.
“Going forward, we will continue to work with health experts to assess the risk associated with business sectors that remain closed,” Whitmer said in a statement.
Related: Orchard Fitness among local gyms reopening after nearly 6 months
Movie theatres, arcades, amusement parks, climbing facilities, trampoline parks and more remain closed in Michigan.
“For the health and safety of our families and frontline workers, it is crucial that we proceed thoughtfully and incrementally so we can measure the effects of today’s actions before we take additional steps toward reengagement,” the governor said.
Spectators will be limited at sporting events. Each athlete can designate up to two guests.
The Michigan Fitness Club Association, which led a Capitol rally in July, said gyms “are part of the solution to the COVID-19 pandemic, not the problem” — noting that obesity is a factor in chronic health conditions that increase risks for people infected with the virus. Last week, football players and parents held a “let them play” rally at the Capitol.
“I will not apologize for pushing, advocating, and questioning previous decisions about how the status of fall sports was handled,” Detroit school district superintendent Nikolai Vitti tweeted. “It was always about the players and families,” he said, before thanking Whitmer and the MHSAA “for listening and making the right decision in the end.”