On Sunday, Nov. 15 at 6:00 p.m.  Governor Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan held a press conference announcing the new COVID-19 restrictions going into effect this week. 

On Saturday over 7,000 new cases had been reported along with 65 deaths. Michigan faced an all-time high on Friday, Nov. 13, with over 8,500 new cases and 118 additional deaths. Due to the surge in cases lately, the state of Michigan has implemented a series of new regulations in an attempt to slow the spread. 

The restrictions go into place starting Wednesday, Nov. 18, and will continue for three weeks before ending on Dec. 8. 

High schools and colleges are now to be conducted virtually, and no organized sports will be permitted. Senior Mark Williams is a varsity basketball player for Rochester High School who was personally affected by these new regulations. 

“Everyone worked so hard during the offseason and we were really looking forward to having a great season,” he said. “I’m glad we are keeping everyone safe, but it stinks since tryouts were literally a day away”

Additionally, people are now required to work from home if possible, and many recreational facilities will be closed; this includes movie theaters, stadiums, bowling alleys, ice skating rinks, indoor water parks, bingo halls, fitness classes, casinos, and arcades. 

Indoor dining will also be unavailable at bars and restaurants, however, carry out, delivery and outdoor dining will still be permitted. Indoor gatherings up to 10 people and outdoor gatherings up to 25 will still be permitted, as well as retail, childcare, public transit, hair salons and gyms.

Governor Whitmer also warned Michigan residents against large gatherings with people outside of their families, in light of the upcoming holiday season.

The administration is hopeful that these new regulations will help slow the spread of COVID-19 and reduce the number of new cases.