Emergency Order Limits Libraries to 30% Capacity

November 15, 2020

Tonight, Governor Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) issued a new emergency order that tightens restrictions on indoor social gatherings and group activities for three weeks in an effort to curb transmission of COVID-19.

Of critical note to Libraries: Libraries and Museums will be able to remain open with 30% capacity. The epidemic order references the MiOSHA rules of October 14 which also restricts in-person work unless doing that work remotely is impossible. The epidemic order will go into affect on Wednesday, November 18 at 12:01am for three weeks until December 8.

Linked here is the full order: https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus/0,9753,7-406-98178_98455-545136--,00.html

Other restrictions include:

• Besides high schools, colleges and universities also must move to distance learning;
• Dine-in/on-premises service of food and drinks indoors is prohibited;
• Theaters, moving theaters, stadiums, arcades, bowling centers, ice skating rinks and indoor water parks are closed;
• Group fitness classes are prohibited;
• Indoor gatherings remain limited to 10 people but now there is a limit of two households;
• Outdoor gatherings are limited to 25 people; and
• Funerals are limited to 25 people.