For the first time in more than 10 weeks, people can legally eat at Michigan restaurants again.
The Michigan ban on dining expired at 11:59 pm on Sunday, January 31. It started on November 18 in response to a second wave of high spread rates for COVID-19.
Until Monday, Michigan was one of only two states still banning indoor dining across the state. Although the dining rooms are open again, there are still strict limits that restaurants must follow.
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Here is the latest set of rules, defined by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
- Eating and drinking is only allowed in designated seating areas
- Groups must be separated by at least 6 feet
- Groups are limited to six people per table
- Meetings are not allowed in common areas (such as dance floors)
- If an employee’s test is positive or shows symptoms of coronavirus at work, the restaurant must close until it has been thoroughly cleaned according to CDC standards
- Capacity is limited to 25% of the normal seating capacity or 100 people, whichever is less
- Indoor meals are prohibited between 10 pm and 4 am
- Customers must wear masks at all times, except when eating or drinking
- Restaurants must maintain customer records for contact tracking, including name, date, time and phone number
While some are unwilling to eat out because of the risks of COVID-19, Michigan Small Business Association chairman Brian Calley said he believes most consumers are ready to dine again.
“I think there is a lot of pent-up demand,” said Calley. “If you look around the country, there is a lot of demand in other states for indoor meals. So I don’t think Michigan will be any different. “
The restaurant reopening will be good for Michigan’s economy, said Calley, a former vice governor.
Michigan lost 60,000 hotel and leisure jobs in December alone.
“It’s big for jobs, it’s big for our economy, but I think it’s also big for our society,” said Calley. “People break bread together to maintain and build relationships.”
The 25% capacity limits will be difficult for companies that do not have take-out food and outdoor meals available to supplement the recipe, Calley said. Bars and restaurants that depend on the sale of alcoholic beverages will be most affected by the 10 pm curfew, he added.
But most restaurants will try to reopen, said Calley. He expects Michigan leaders to ease restrictions after the current 21-day order expires.
In terms of potential future disruptions, Calley said that more restrictions will be more difficult to justify if hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19 continue to decrease in Michigan. The MDHHS state director can close deals during an epidemic, according to state law, but only to ensure “the continuation of essential public health services and compliance with health laws”.
Dozens of restaurants have been penalized in Michigan for opening illegally during the ban on dining or for failing to follow health rules. But thousands of others followed the rules and prioritized safety.
Customers can report violations to a variety of agencies – including the local health department, MDHHS or the Michigan Beverage Control Commission.
“Consumers end up voting with their choices,” said Calley. “If they are in a place that does not meet your safety and service values or standards … they will choose to go elsewhere.”
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