Whitmer announces next steps for Michigan schools to reopen in the fall

LANSING, Mich.—Governor Gretchen Whitmer on Wednesday announced the next steps for schools to reopen in the fall.

Schools may resume in-person learning in phase four of the MI Safe Start Plan, Whitmer said, provided they implement and follow safety precautions meant to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Whitmer said she will release a “Return to School Roadmap” and executive order on June 30 that will give educators guidance on returning to in-person instruction.

The roadmap will set the minimum health and safety requirements but districts will be able to enact more aggressive steps along with local health officials.

Minimum requirements will apply to all schools, including traditional public, charter, private and parochial schools.

Whitmer shared the update during a press conference with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun.

The governor encouraged residents in Michigan to continue wearing face masks.

Whitmer hopes to move the state into phase five of Michigan's reopening plan before July 4.