Michigan unveils reopening plan tied to COVID-19 vaccination rates

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer unveiled a reopening plan Thursday that will tie loosened restrictions to COVID-19 vaccination rate milestones.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer unveiled a reopening plan Thursday that will tie loosened restrictions to COVID-19 vaccination rate milestones, as the state starts to emerge from a surge in cases and hospitalizations. So far, nearly half of residents ages 16 and up have gotten their first shots and about 36% are fully vaccinated, said the governor, whose goal is to reach 70% of the population fully vaccinated to near herd immunity. Michigan will likely reach 55% of residents ages 16 and up receiving a first dose by the end of next week, Whitmer said. Two weeks after it hits that benchmark, under the new plan, in-person work for all businesses will be allowed. Two weeks after 60% have gotten their first dose, sports stadiums and banquet halls can increase capacity to 25%, gyms can go up to 50% and an 11 p.m. curfew on indoor dining will be lifted.