Governor Whitmer has announced the partial reopening of certain establishments in most of northern Michigan, beginning Friday.

That includes bars and restaurants and covers the entire Upper Peninsula and 17 counties in the northern Lower Peninsula. Those businesses must operate at 50% capacity and there are other restrictions.

The move comes as the number of coronavirus-related cases and deaths has fallen rapidly across the state. Whitmer said businesses reopening across the state need to have plans in place to protect workers and customers, and announced a new executive order to monitor workplace safety standards in the state.

The timing of the decision lands just ahead of the Memorial Day weekend, and no timetable has been given for the remainder of the state.