Whitmer: Gyms and indoor pools can reopen

Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued an executive order Thursday that has been long-awaited by many in Michigan. The order allows gyms and indoor swimming pools to re-open. (The order also allows high school sports to resume.)

The governor’s order closing gyms earlier this year led to months of legal maneuvering by gym owners who believed the governor was overstepping her legal authority and targeting their businesses.

Under the order, gyms and indoor pools may reopen beginning September 9, but must limit capacity and follow safety guidelines.

Specifically:

• Gym patrons must wear masks at all times except while swimming
• Gyms and indoor pools will be limited to 25% capacity; outdoor pools will be limited to 50% capacity
• Gym patrons must be spaced at least six feet apart
• Gym equipment must be sanitized regularly

The gym order also applies to bowling alleys, roller-skating rinks, and ice-skating rinks. Those businesses may only reopen for organized sporting events and not to the general public.

“Throughout this pandemic, we have followed the best science and data available to make decisions that will keep Michiganders safe, and our hard work is paying off,” said Whitmer in a public statement.