Governor Whitmer announced on Friday that she with Executive Order 2020-192, she will be pushing the Upper Peninsula or "Region 8" back to a revised version of Phase 4 Michigan Safe Start Program, according to WOOD TV8.  Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, the Upper Peninsula as well as the Traverse City and Mackinaw City region have been ahead of the rest of the state in regards to the re-opening plan.

As of October 9th,12:01 am, when the executive order goes into effect, residents in the U.P.  are encouraged to work remotely from home, if possible, gatherings will now have new capacity limits, and schools are required to enforce mask rules.

from WOOD TV8, here is the list of changes that the new executive order will change for the Upper Peninsula,

  • People who can perform their work remotely will be required to do so;
  • Social gatherings and organized events will be subject to the new Phase 4 limits in Executive Order 2020-183: indoor residential – 10 people or less; indoor non-residential may allow more, depending on the size of the facility and subject to formulas in the order.
  • Stores of less than 50,000 square feet must limit number of people in store, including employees, to 25% of total occupancy limits. Stores of 50,000 square feet or more must limit customers to no more than 20 people per 1,000 square feet of customer floor space, and allow 2 hours of week dedicating shopping time for vulnerable populations.
  • Schools must require face coverings at certain times, including in the classroom, among other requirements.

WOOD TV8 reports that Governor Whitmer said while issuing the new executive order,

“After seeing the increase in cases in the U.P. region over the past several weeks and consulting with medical experts, I have decided to take action to protect U.P. families and move the region back a phase. I know this is hard. I know it will be an adjustment. But we can’t let our guard down.”

UP NEXT: Check Out These 10 Amazing Pictures of Michigan As Seen From Space

More From 97.9 WGRD