Governor Whitmer Releases Updated Workplace Standards for Retail Including Libraries, Reopens More Regions Under MI Safe Start Plan

June 5, 2020

On June 5, 2020, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Orders 2020-114 and 2020-115 to reopen more regions and economic sectors under the MI Safe Start Plan.

Starting on June 10, Regions 6 and 8 — which include much of northern Michigan and all of the Upper Peninsula — will advance to Phase 5 of the Governor’s MI Safe Start Plan. Phase 5 allows the reopening of salons, movie theaters, and gyms, subject to safety protocols and procedures designed to minimize the spread of COVID-19.

Though the remaining regions, 1 through 5 and 7, will remain in Phase 4 under today’s executive orders, the Governor has said she expects the entire state will advance to Phase 5 in the coming weeks.

Under Phase 5, indoor social gatherings and organized events of up to 50 people are permissible. Outdoor social gatherings and organized events are also allowed if people maintain six feet of distance from one another and the gathering consists of no more than 250 people.

In addition, Governor Whitmer has issued an updated rule laying out new workplace safeguards for retail (including LIBRARIES AND MUSEUMS) and entertainment venues. Following these safeguards will ensure that workers and patrons alike remain protected as the state moves to reopen.

EO 2020-114 – Safeguards to protect Michigan’s workers from COVID-19 (Ammends EO 2020-97). See section 6 for rules applying specifically to libraries.

EO 2020-115 – Temporary restrictions on certain events, gatherings, and businesses