State extends “3 week pause” for 12 days

Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced this afternoon the extension of sets of closures to slow the spread of the coronavirus, which includes the shuttering of dine-in service at restaurants and bars, as well as in-person learning for high school students, through December 20.

The “three-week pause” Ms. Whitmer implemented through a Department of Health and Human Services epidemic order expires Wednesday. The extension would in effect mean in-person learning for high school students is put on hold until January because most school districts start their two-week winter break December 21.

The other measures Ms. Whitmer implemented starting November 18 included the closure of movie theaters, conference centers, concert halls, performance venues, sporting venues, stadiums, the three Detroit casinos, arcades, bowling centers, ice skating rinks and indoor water parks, amusement parks, bingo halls, night clubs, strip clubs and trampoline parks. Ms. Whitmer also barred group fitness classes and tightened occupancy limits for retailers, libraries and museums.

The extended order also will continue the indoor gathering limit of 10 people with no more than two households and the outdoor gathering limit of 25.

“There is more work we need to do to protect one another,” Ms. Whitmer said of why she is extending the restrictions. “We cannot let up yet.”