Michigan Association of Public Employees

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Orders reopening movie theaters, bowling alleys, performance venues and more while increasing indoor and outdoor gathering limits effective Oct. 9.

Executive Order 2020-183 allows for the statewide reopening of indoor theaters, cinemas, performance venues, arcades, bingo halls, bowling centers, indoor climbing facilities, trampoline parks, and more.

Non-residential indoor gatherings and events increased from a maximum of 10 people to a limit of 20 people per 1,000 square feet or 20 percent of fixed seating capacity, with a maximum of 500 people in Michigan’s largest venues. Face coverings are required indoors. Non-residential outdoor gatherings and events increased from 100 people limit to 30 people per 1,000 square feet or 30 percent of fixed seating capacity, with a maximum of 1,000 people. Regions 6 and 8 are subject to the same rules covered in the revised MI Safe Start order, except non-residential indoor venues may allow up to 25 people per 1,000 square feet or 25 percent of fixed seating capacity, with a maximum of 500 people in the regions’ largest venues.

Whitmer also signed Executive Order 2020-185, which requires K-5 students wear face coverings in classrooms in MI Safe Start Regions 1-5 and 7. She also updated the prior order on workplace safeguards to reflect these changes with Executive Order 2020-184.