Yesterday, May 24th, 2021, Michiganders were finally allowed back in to the office to work after over a year of being ordered to work from home if possible. The announcement came yesterday during a press conference with Governor Whitmer as she announced that we crossed the 55% marker for Michiganders fully vaccinated against COVID.

The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration changed their COVID guidelines allowing fully vaccinated employees to go without face masks and social distancing in the workplace.  The new guidelines are under the stipulation that employers still have guidelines in place for unvaccinated employees like social distancing and cleaning protocols.

Governor Whitmer delivered her press conference at Steelcase Inc. in Grand Rapids and announced additional easing of COVID restrictions.  Among the easing of restrictions was allowing restaurants to reopen common areas like dance floors and recreational games like darts and pool tables.

According to an article by News Channel 3, Whitmer said "The reason we can take these steps is thanks to every Michigander who has stepped up and taken action to keep themselves, their families, and their communities safe. Together, we are eliminating this once-in-a-century virus, and now we are poised to jumpstart our economy and power it to new highs."  You can watch the complete coverage of the press conference below.

The easing of restrictions is part of the state's "MI Vacc to Normal" plan.  As more of the state gets vaccinated, the COVID restrictions will lessen.  You can see the path back to normal below.

  • 55% of Michiganders (4,453,304 residents), plus two weeks
    • Allows in-person work for all sectors of business.
  • 60% of Michiganders (4,858,150 residents), plus two weeks
    • 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 (5,262,996 residents), plus two weeks
    • Lifts all indoor % capacity limits, requiring only social distancing between parties.
    • Further relaxes limits on residential social gatherings.
  • 70% of Michiganders (5,667,842 residents), plus two weeks
    • 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.

How to Make a Sous Vide Pork Loin Chop

More From 97.9 WGRD