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55% of Michiganders now vaccinated: Here's what that means for you

Spectrum Health
Credit Spectrum Health

Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced Monday that 55% of Michiganders have received their first dose of the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine.

The announcement marks the first milestone of the “MI Vacc to Normal” plan, which would enable in-person work to resume across all employment sectors on May 24.Whitmer released a video on social media congratulating Michiganders for achieving this important step and encouraged others to get vaccinated to help the state get back to normal.

“I am excited that 55% of Michiganders have gotten their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine because it puts us one step closer to getting Vacc to Normal,” said Whitmer. “Everyone is eligible to get their safe, effective shots, and it's on all of us to get vaccinated as soon as possible to protect ourselves, our families, and our communities. On May 24, we anticipate allowing a return to in-person work across all sectors, and as more Michiganders get vaccinated, we will continue lifting restrictions to get Vacc to Normal safely.”   

Related content: Whitmer announces MI reopening plan, tied to state vaccination rate

Within two weeks of the state hitting 55% vaccinated, in-person office work across all sectors can begin.

"The safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine is the most important tool we have to reduce the spread of the virus. By getting shots in their arms as soon as possible, Michiganders can help end this pandemic as quickly as possible," said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health. “We urge all eligible Michigan residents to make an appointment or locate a walk-in vaccine clinic to get their vaccine as soon as they are able by visiting Vaccinefinder.”  

To date, Michigan has administered 4,455,395 vaccines, moving the state closer to its goal of equitably vaccinating at least 70% of Michiganders ages 16 and older as soon as possible. 

Need a refresher? Here are the milestone's of Whitmer's MI Vacc to Normal plan:

55% of Michiganders (4,453,304 residents), plus two weeks 

  • Allows in-person work for all sectors of business. 

60% of Michiganders (4,858,150 residents), plus two weeks

  • Increases indoor capacity at sports stadiums to 25%. 
  • Increases indoor capacity at conference centers/banquet halls/funeral homes to 25%. 
  • Increases capacity at exercise facilities and gyms to 50%.
  • Lifts the curfew on restaurants and bars.

65% of Michiganders (5,262,996 residents), plus two weeks 

  • Lifts all indoor % capacity limits, requiring only social distancing between parties. 
  • Further relaxes limits on residential social gatherings. 

70% of Michiganders (5,667,842 residents), plus two weeks

  • Lifts the Gatherings and Face Masks Order such that MDHHS will no longer employ broad mitigation measures unless unanticipated circumstances arise, such as the spread of vaccine-resistant variants.  


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Copyright 2021 Michigan Radio

Paulette is a blogger for Michigan Radio's State of Opportunity project, which looks at kids from low-income families and what it takes to get them ahead. She previously interned as a reporter in the Michigan Radio newsroom.
Paulette Parker
Paulette is a junior at Eastern Michigan University, majoring in media studies and journalism. She holds an Associate degree in Journalism from Washtenaw Community College, where she served as news editor of the student publication, The Washtenaw Voice.