Michigan orders in-person learning at high schools, colleges to cease

Beginning Wednesday, Nov. 18, colleges and high schools across Michigan will return to remote learning as part of a statewide order seeking to limit in-person interaction as COVID-19 cases there continue to rise.

Among other restrictions announced over the weekend, indoor business at restaurants and bars will be suspended, and offices where employees can conduct work virtually must close. These new limits, put in place by the state’s Department of Health and Human Services, will remain in effect for three weeks.

“Right now, there are thousands of cases a day and hundreds of deaths a week in Michigan, and the number is growing,” Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer said in a statement. “If we don’t act now, thousands more will die, and our hospitals will continue to be overwhelmed. We can get through this together by listening to health experts once again and taking action right now to slow the spread of this deadly virus."

Elementary and middle schools may continue in-person learning, as the state says it has not seen as many coronavirus outbreaks connected to lower grades and notes that younger students have a greater need for in-person education.

Some college and pro sports will also able to continue, so long as they meet “extraordinary standards for risk mitigation,” though no spectators will be allowed.