Michigan Gov. Whitmer to loosen restrictions for businesses in Northern Michigan

DETROIT – Going up North is a Michigan tradition for many families and after the governor loosened restrictions for businesses in Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula and many people will be taking advantage of that amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Businesses could start reopening as soon as Friday.

READ: Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to reopen parts of state this week, including restaurants, bars

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s order allows for bars and restaurants in zones six and eight to reopen. This comes as Memorial Day weekend approaches.

Mike Lietzke and Meredith Larson own the Lewiston Hotel Bar and Grill. They lost all of their hotel business from March to April so getting to reopen in time for the Memorial Day weekend crowd is a big deal to them.

MORE: Here’s what Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is reopening in the state this week, and where

Jose Mabesa of Washington Township and his family are excited to get on the lake and out to eat again. They’re hoping for good weather.

There are still restrictions for restaurants and bars. They must operate at 50 percent capacity.

READ: Here’s every Michigan county where bars, restaurants, retail will reopen this week

Watch the video above for the full report.