Congratulations southeast Michigan: We listened to the CDC, stayed home and managed to flatten the curve for our hospitals (take that, coronavirus!).
While the threat of COVID-19 is still very real, Gov. Whitmer has decided to relax her stay-at-home order and begin reopening businesses in metro Detroit and Ann Arbor.
That said, on July 13, she tightened up on some of the face mask and social distancing requirements, requiring face masks to be worn in all public indoor spaces. And on July 14, she extended the state-of-emergency order to Aug. 11. This order allows her to continue issuing executive orders that place such restrictions.
With all the constant decisions being made, keeping track of what’s reopening in metro Detroit and Ann Arbor (and what’s required when you can go out) can be a pain. That’s why we’ve created this list. Find out what’s open for business and what’s still on pause now — and don’t forget to check back often for updates.
What’s allowed?
On Monday, June 1, 2020, Whitmer announced that she decided to move to stage four of her six-stage reopening plan. According to Michigan.gov, this decision lifted the safer-at-home order and allows outdoor gatherings of up to 100, with proper social distancing practices.
In addition, it reopened drive-in movie theaters, and retailers at a limited capacity. It also allows for outdoor fitness classes, in-home services and in-office work to resume — as long as social distancing guidelines are met and as long as the work cannot be done at home.
Outdoor swimming pools, day camps, libraries and museums were also allowed to reopen on June 8, and hair salons, tattoo parlors, overnight camps and bottle returns returned on June 15.
On Wednesday, June 10, Patch.com reported that indoor climbing facilities, bowling alleys, concert venues, night clubs and race tracks were allowed to re-open, and on Friday, June 12, restrictions on campgrounds and camping was lifted.
Prior to opening, all businesses must have the following coronavirus precautions in place:
- Posted signs telling customers not to enter if they’re sick
- Face mask requirements
- Crowd-limiting measures and limit seating capacity
- Dividers, floor markings and signs to encourage social distancing
- Employee training on how to enforce coronavirus protocols
- Frequent disinfection of high-touch surfaces and the facility
- Close buffets and self-serve food or drink options
Sporting facilities must also adopt entry and exit times for vulnerable people and establish safe exit procedures and self-serve food or drink options are to remain closed.
Bars and restaurants in Northern Michigan, which originally opened on June 8, were asked to close for indoor dining on July 1 in order to maintain the progress we’ve made. This order allowed for carry-out and patio services to remain open at local eateries and made carry-out cocktails legal.
On September 4, Gov. Whitmer announced that gyms, bowling alleys, ice rinks, pools and sporting facilities, which have remained closed through COVID-19, are allowed to reopen after the Labor Day holiday.
Organized sports may also resume and movie theaters may reopen starting October 9.
Face masks are required at all indoor public facilities. All public facilities must enforce a face mask policy. Residents who refuse to wear a mask can be subject to a $500 fine.
What’s open?
Take a look at some of the specific businesses that are reopened in our area. Keep in mind that some may have certain rules in place that you must follow before heading out.
Note: This is not a comprehensive list. We will be adding new locations every week until Gov. Whitmer has completely reopened the state. If you have a lead on a local reopening, share it with us in the comments or via calendar@metroparent.com so we can add it.
Summer Camps
June 8 brought the reopening of day camps in Metro Detroit and Ann Arbor and under a week later, on June 15, overnight camps were allowed to reopen. Campers this year can expect to have to wear masks and to social distance from one another. Other changes include less outside field trips, smaller groups sizes and head-to-toe sleeping arrangements.
Little Caesars Arena
As of June 15, this Detroit arena has reopened for special events. Patrons are required to wear masks and are expected to maintain social distance.
City of Livonia’s Dog Park and Playgrounds
As of June 1, Livonia’s Dog Park and playgrounds have reopened to the public, with limits. You must practice social distancing, wear a mask and practice good hygiene. The city is also asking you stay home if you, your child or your dog is ill.
Troy Public Library
Due to staff levels and guidelines, the library is opening in phases. First, it is re-processing and accepting library returns. You may drop off your books in the library drop-off June 3-5. Once library staff processes most of the returns, they will move to the second stage of reopening.
The Detroit Zoo
Starting on June 8, the zoo will reopen to members by reservation only with safety guidelines to protect staff, guests and the animals. Capacity will be limited to 1,000 guests per day with fewer than 500 in at any one time. Hand sanitizing and wash stations will be set up around the zoo as well. Masks will also be required.
The Somerset Collection
On May 29, the Somerset Collection reopened Mondays-Saturdays from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sundays noon-6 p.m. Be aware that not all shops are open yet. Call ahead. Masks and social distancing recommended.
Twelve Oaks Mall
This shopping center in Novi reopened to the public on May 28. Call ahead to make sure your favorite shop is open and remember your mask.
Huron-Clinton Metroparks
All 13 of the Metroparks are opening and operating at 60 percent capacity. If overcrowding occurs, guests can expect some areas of the park to close. Programming is still canceled through June 15 and all playgrounds, park offices, interpretive centers and more are closed. Beaches and golf courses are open with some restrictions. Social distancing and hygiene recommendations are a must.
Canton Leisure Services
Canton’s parks and trails are open for guests to enjoy as long as they follow proper CDC guidelines. Playgrounds and splash parks remain closed.
Ann Arbor District Library
Starting June 15, AADL will open for return and pick-ups filed before the closure. On June 22, all locations will open from noon-8 p.m. daily and by July, the Downtown Library will open by appointment.
Michigan State Parks
Starting June 22, the Michigan State parks and recreation areas are re-opening for camping and other activities with social distancing rules and other safety regulations.
Michigan Jellystone Park Campgrounds
The camp resorts in Frankenmuth, Grayling, North Port Huron, Silver Lake and South Haven are reopened with enhanced sanitations, social distancing measures and select amenities closures.
Farmers Markets
Open-air Farmers Markets are back in business. Check out our list of Farmers Markets to find one near you.
YMCA Day Camps
Gyms remain closed but your local YMCA is back offering day camps for kids this summer. Check with your local facility to find one that fits your child’s interests.
Farmington Hills Nature Center
The nature center returned on June 24 with private tours by appointments from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday and drop-in hours 4-6:30 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Drop-ins are limited to 10 visitors on a first come, first served basis. Summer outdoor programming is a go and will follow current state guidelines.
The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
The museum is set to reopen to the public on July 10. Expect safety precautions to be in place during your visit.
Detroit Institute of Arts
The DIA is set to reopen on July 10. Masks are required to enter the museum social distancing and good hygiene are also recommended. Expect cashless and touch0less transactions.
The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and Greenfield Village
This Dearborn history museum announced that it is set to reopen to members starting on July 2, with a public reopening on July 9. Guests that visit should expect the enforcement of social distancing, mask protocols and closed hands-on attractions.
Detroit Historical Museum
This Detroit spot welcomes patrons back on July 10. Guests should wear a mask through their entire experience and observe social distancing rules.
Hellenic Museum of Michigan
Greek history returns on July 10 with the reopening of this historical hub. Masks and social distancing requirements will be in place.
Michigan Science Center
Mi-Sci reopened on July 10. Guests should expect some hands-on experiences to be unavailable. Masks and social distancing are required.
Cedar Point
This favorite travel destination has unveiled a phased opening plan and safety protocols. The park opened to pass holders on July 9 and then to all guests on July 11 Guests must schedule their app, download the mobile app, wear face coverings and have a health screening before entering the park.
This post was originally published on June 5, 2020 and is updated regularly.
