Posted by The Huron Hub | June 22, 2021

Governor Whitmer and Lt. Governor Gilchrist today announced the reopening of state to full capacity at Belle Isle in Detroit, while highlighting the administration’s Economic Jumpstart Plan focused on strengthening the economy and putting Michigan residents back to work.

Starting today, capacity in both indoor and outdoor settings will increase to 100% and the state will no longer require residents to wear a face mask.

Small businesses and other venues still can require mask usage.

“Today is a day that we have all been waiting for, as we can safely get back to normal day-to-day activities and move forward together,” said Governor Whitmer. “We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the medical experts and health professionals who stood on the frontlines to keep us all safe. And we are incredibly thankful to all of the essential workers who kept our state moving. Thanks to the millions of Michiganders who rolled up their sleeves to get the safe, effective COVID-19 vaccine, we have been able to make these changes ahead of schedule. Our top priority going forward is taking full advantage of the billions in federal relief funding and our $3.5 billion surplus to jumpstart our economy. We have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to ensure that Michigan’s families, small businesses, and communities emerge from this pandemic stronger than ever before.”

Present at the announcement in Detroit were representatives of Michigan’s small businesses.

“As a small business owner Covid 19 was devastating to my business, but with the help of the State of Michigan and Governor Whitmer, we were able to maintain and stay open,” said Tiffany Barber, owner of Tiffany’s Delicious Dogs LLC. “Tiffany’s Delicious Dogs was a City of Detroit vendor for 15 years, forced to change our business model to survive. With grants and training funded by the State of Michigan, to learn new business techniques we made it together and are thankful to our great Governor and the State of Michigan for the support to make it through the storm. We look forward to getting back to business in a safe environment guided by a great leader.”

Case rates, percent positivity and hospitalizations have all plummeted over the past several weeks, while vaccination rates continue to increase.

To date, 61.2% of Michiganders ages 16 and older receiving their first vaccine dose. As part of these efforts, Michigan is partnering with organizations across the state to create more opportunities for Michigan residents to receive a vaccine.