New Health Order Allows Detroit Casinos to Reopen on Monday

Michigan’s three commercial land-based casinos in Detroit are eligible to reopen.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and state officials on Friday announced the latest public health order from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). The previous “Pause to Save Lives” restrictions expire Sunday, allowing the new order to take effect.

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“We have a come a long way,” Whitmer said during Friday’s news conference. “The pause is working. I’m asking my fellow Michiganders to please keep it up. What you’re doing is making a difference. It is putting us in a stronger position. We can get our kids back in school and engage some businesses. We can take another step forward if we keep it up.

“We have to continue to take this seriously now. I’m really inspired by what we have done, and I’m grateful.”

MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino and Greektown Casino can reopen with new limitations in place. Up to six people from the same household are allowed to enter casinos but must stay away from other groups.

For areas without fixed seating, attendance is limited to 20 persons per 1,000 square feet. Food and drinks are not allowed to be sold or consumed, and everyone must remain masked at all times. The mandate also states total occupancy in each room is limited to 100. The only exception the state makes for this is for stadiums and arenas, which are capped at 250.

The state’s health order begins on Monday, but no official announcement has been made from any of the casinos in regard to whether or not they plan to reopen and what new limitations and safety measures they will implement.

Other details of the new health order

In addition to casinos, other entertainment options such as movie theaters and bowling alleys are also eligible to reopen. High schools will also be permitted to resume in-person classes on Monday.

But Whitmer and the MDHHS did extend the ban on in-person dining at restaurants through Jan. 15. Bars, night clubs, indoor fitness group classes, water parks and workplaces where the work can be done at home are still to remain closed.