Michigan governor unveils plan to tie state's easing of Covid restrictions to vaccination rates

Gov. Whitmer unveils plan to tie Michigan vaccination rates to easing COVID-19 rules The announcement comes as Michigan remains the state with the worst COVID-19 outbreak in the nation, despite case rates and other trends improving. Dave Boucher and Kristen Jordan Shamus Detroit Free Press

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer outlined a plan that ties specific vaccination levels to rolling back COVID-19 restrictions during a press event Thursday morning. 

The announcement mirrors the state's goal of vaccinating 70% of all Michigander's 16 and older, but comes as Michigan continues to grapple with the nation's worst pandemic outbreak. 

“On our path to vaccinating 70% of Michiganders 16 and up, we can take steps to gradually get back to normal while keeping people safe," Whitmer said in a statement. 

"If you haven’t already, I encourage you to rise to the challenge and be a part of the solution so we can continue our economic recovery and have the summer we all crave.” 

Whitmer outlined four steps to gradually ease restrictions: 

• Two weeks after 4.5 million Michiganders have received their first vaccine dose (55% of the eligible population), the state will lift requirements that employers mandate employees work remotely where feasible. 
• Two weeks after 4.9 million Michiganders have received their first vaccine dose (60% of the eligible population), the state will increase indoor capacity for sporting events, conference centers, banquet halls and other similar facilities to 25%. The state will also increase capacity limits at gyms to 50%, and lift curfews on restaurants and bars. 
• Two weeks after 5.3 million Michiganders have received their first vaccine dose (65% of the eligible population), the state will lift all indoor capacity restrictions and relax limits on social gatherings. 
• Two weeks after 5.7 million Michiganders have received their first vaccine dose (70% of the eligible population), the state will rescind the health department's facemask and gathering order and stop issuing similar rules "unless unanticipated circumstances arise." ...