Restaurant ban may be extended

Though Michigan’s daily coronavirus infection numbers have been declining for weeks, the state’s Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is considering extending the ban on indoor dining until February 1.

In a post on its Facebook page, the Michigan Licensed Beverage Association said it expects the governor to announce the two week extension to the ban during a press conference on Wednesday.

“The reopening would likely take place beginning February 1, giving owners time to work with supply chain and figure out staffing,” read the post. “It will likely include a limited capacity and curfew, and then possibilities for restaurants that take additional public health measures to have a higher capacity limit.”

Restaurants and bars in Michigan have been limited to take-out orders only unless the establishment can seat people outdoors. The ban on indoor dining has been in effect since November 18.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has said that bars and restaurants are especially prone to the spread of COVID-19 because people are seated close to one another without masks.

For the moment, the ban on indoor dining is set to expire on January 15.

You can read more on Bridge Michigan.