Ige tightens social gathering restrictions

Gov. David Ige has tightened statewide limits on social gatherings in response to the increasing number of COVID-19 cases throughout the state.

Effective immediately, indoor social gatherings are now limited to no more than 10 people at once, while outdoor gatherings are limited to a maximum of 25 people.

Meanwhile, establishments like bars, restaurants, churches and gyms will be limited to 50% capacity, with patrons required to maintain social distance from each other and wear masks at all times except when actively eating or drinking, Ige said.

Larger, professionally organized events are still permissible with a permit from the host county.

Ige said there is currently no definite end date for the new restrictions, but added that it will likely take at least 4 to 6 weeks before the restrictions cause a decrease in COVID counts.

Ige said the renewed restrictions are necessary to manage the ever-increasing spike in COVID cases statewide. 436 new cases were reported today, with a weeklong average of about 500 new cases a day, and 219 people are currently hospitalized with COVID statewide.

By comparison, Ige said the weeklong average in July was only about 60 new cases a day, with only 48 people hospitalized.

“These are steps that have to be taken so we’re not in the position we were last year with everything closed down,” said Mayor Mitch Roth at a news conference, before reiterating the importance of the COVID vaccine. “We all have to do something. Government can only do so much.”

Ige said he currently has no plans to change the state’s Safe Travels program or return public schools to an entirely distance-learning-based curriculum.