Michigan ice rinks allowed to reopen for organized sports

Ice rinks across the state of Michigan are allowed to reopen for organized sports under a new executive order from the governor.

Rinks were among the list of venues shuttered across the state for months due to the coronavirus. Some areas of the state already were allowed to have ice rinks operational. As of Thursday, all Michigan ice rinks are now among the list of venues that may be open for the “sole purpose of serving as a venue for organized sports.”

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s new order (EO- 2020-176) defines “organized sports” as “competitive athletic activity requiring skill or physical prowess and organized by an institution or association that sets and enforces rules to ensure the physical health and safety of all participants.”

Figure skaters and hockey players on the rink will not be subject to social distancing requirements. However, they must maintain six feet of distance from one another “to the extent compatible with that organized sport, and wear a facial covering.”

According to the order, the spectators at the ice rinks must be limited to the guests of the athletes with each athlete allowed to designate up to two guests.

Ice rinks also won’t be allowed to sell concessions.

Read back:

• Michigan ice arenas push to reopen amid coronavirus pandemic
• Ann Arbor ice arena, skating teams fight for reclassification

Read more: Certain Michigan businesses allowed to reopen