LANSING, Mich. — Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive order today that allows gyms and pools to reopen and sports to resume in regions of the state where they've been restricted.
The "Safe Start" order is subject to "strict protections" to limit the spread of COVID-19.
Gyms and pools may reopen on Sept. 9.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services also released separate guidance today recommending against — but not prohibiting — sports involving more than occasional and fleeting contact: football, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, hockey, wrestling, field hockey, boxing and martial arts with opponents.
Read the full "Safe Start" executive order (2020-176)
"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," Gov. Whitmer said.
"Today we are announcing the reopening of gyms and pools with strict safety measures in place to protect patrons and their families. 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.”
Safety measures
Whitmer also signed an executive order outlining strict workplace safety measures gyms and pools must follow to protect Michiganders from the spread of COVID-19.
The order, "Safeguards to protect Michigan’s workers from COVID-19," says gyms must require masks at all times, including times of exercise, configure workout stations or implement protocols to enable six feet of distance between individuals during exercise sessions, reduce class sizes to enable at least six feet of separation between individuals, provide equipment-cleaning products throughout the gym and more.
Under the safeguards order, spectators for indoor organized sports are limited to guests of athletes, with each athlete designating up to two guests. For outdoor sports competitions, the organizer must either limit the audience to guests of participants, with each athlete designating up to two guests, or limit total attendance to 100 people or fewer, including all participants like athletes, coaches and staff.