Gyms Can Reopen In Michigan, But Many Businesses Remain Closed
MICHIGAN — Business owners across Michigan were given some relief Thursday when Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced an executive order allowing gyms and pools to open across the state next week.
But many businesses remain shuttered due to health concerns amid the coronavirus pandemic, which has resulted in more than 104,000 infections throughout Michigan, killing over 6,500 people, according to state-provided health data.
“Going forward, we will continue to work with health experts to assess the risk associated with business sectors that remain closed," Whitmer said Thursday while announcing the reopening of gyms. "For the health and safety of our families and frontline workers, it is crucial that we proceed thoughtfully and incrementally so we can measure the effects of today's actions before we take additional steps towards re-engagement."
Throughout most of Michigan, amusement parks, arcades, bingo halls, climbing facilities, dance arenas, movie theaters, performance halls and venues, trampoline parks and waters parks remain closed.
And when will these facilities be able to reopen around all of Michigan? The answer is still unknown.
Speculation around the reopening of movie theaters has grown in recent days, as Whitmer teased the idea of reopening Michigan's gyms. Many thought the reopening of fitness centers would be in connection with theaters and other establishments.
Related: Whitmer Allows Gyms, Pools To Reopen Across Michigan
But in a news conference Wednesday in which Whitmer said a decision regarding gyms could come "very soon," theaters were not discussed.
In her announcement Thursday, Whitmer said the state would continue taking a measured approach when considering when to reopen sections of the state's economy. She also noted that science and data would be weighed heavily.
"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.
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This article originally appeared on the Detroit Patch
