Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer called for new COVID-19 guidelines at a press conference today, due to the drastic increase in cases. According to michigan.gov, as of Nov. 14, Michigan has 251,813 confirmed cases and 7,994 COVID-related deaths. These measures will be put into place Nov. 18, 2020 and will last three weeks, until Dec. 8, 2020. The guidelines prohibit in-person instruction for highschools and colleges, and will close in-person dining, non-professional organized sports and entertainment centers including ice skating rinks, bowling alleys and arcades. 

Whitmer strongly encourages work to be done from home when possible and urges against Thanksgiving celebrations outside of the household. Outdoor gatherings are allowed with a limit of 25 people. Childcare and kindergarten to eighth-grade classes are not restricted by the new order. Gyms allowing for individual exercise will remain open along with hair salons, restaurants for outdoor dining/takeout/delivery, as well as public transportation. 

All remaining high school fall and winter sports in Michigan are suspended until Dec. 8, 2020. In December, Ann Arbor Public Schools will announce the official plan for winter sports. However, winter sport competitions and in-person practices will not be held until at least January. Virtual practice and conditioning options may be available depending on the sport. 

For additional information on tonight’s press conference visit michigan.gov.