Governor Whitmer Signs Executive Order Allowing Professional Sports to Return to Action
LANSING, Mich. — Today, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-133, which sets guidelines for the safe return of professional sports, without fans in attendance. The order follows Major League Baseball’s announcement that a shortened 60-game season would begin on July 24 with players reporting for spring training at their home ballparks by July 1.
“We are now ready to gradually and safely allow professional sports to resume in Michigan,” said Governor Whitmer. “While this is an encouraging step in the reopening of our economy, it is critical for athletes to continue social distancing and taking precautions to stay safe. We want to keep our momentum going and keep moving forward, so it’s incumbent on everyone doing their part to slow the spread of COVID-19.”
Under Executive Order 2020-133, professional sports training and competitions can resume as long as the activities are conducted pursuant to a COVID-19 safety plan that is consistent with any guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Participants must also maintain six feet of distance from one another to the extent compatible with the sport.
