Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced Thursday that gyms across the state can reopen next week after over five months of closures.
“Throughout this pandemic, we have followed the best science and data available to make decisions that will keep Michiganders safe, and our hard work is paying off,” Whitmer said Thursday.
Whitmer, a Democrat, said that indoor fitness centers will be allowed to reopen starting Wednesday, Sept. 9, with safety precautions such as mandatory masks at all times and capacity capped at 25%.
“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. Be smart and stay safe,” she added.
Gyms in Michigan were ordered to shut down over five months ago as the rates of coronavirus cases climbed across the state. Whitmer’s aggressive policies to contain the virus generated major protests and elevated her national profile. Now, the state is experiencing a sustained decline in the coronavirus test positive rate, at about 2.5%, compared to a seven-day average of more than 30% in March.
Michigan recorded 10 more deaths linked to the coronavirus and confirmed 685 additional cases on Thursday, according to the latest state data. In total, Michigan has confirmed 104,395 cases and 6,519 deaths.
