EAST LANSING - On Friday, September 25th, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-183 that states many businesses will be able to open back up with limited capacity on Friday, October 9th. These businesses include indoor theaters, cinemas, performance venues, arcades, bingo halls, bowling centers, indoor climbing facilities, trampoline parks and more.

This year has been extremely tough for a lot of small businesses. Jordan Munsters, President/CEO of High Caliber Karting, says, "We had spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to work within the ever changing framework of the executive orders. There were very few businesses that had direct legal action taken against them to keep them closed. During the 7 month period, we watched nearly all our competition operating and performing well. We were the only kart track in the state not operating. It was extremely difficult on the morale of the staff as well as the financials of our business. We had to pause our 25,000 square foot expansion and focus on our new release of our Infinity Combat System we developed internally. While the pandemic took control out of our hands, our team found things within our control to stay positive and productive."

Unfortunately, a lot of people were forced to shut down their businesses due to the outbreak. It seems that things are starting to look up again though, with certain businesses being allowed to open again with limitations in place. Those would include things such as, limiting capacity to 20 people per 1,000 square feet and a maximum of 500 people for larger venues. Non-residential outdoor gatherings and events are limited to 30 people per 1,000 square feet. Also, all children from K-5th are required to wear a mask. Now that businesses can finally open up, things can start to get back to normal as long as people and businesses take the proper precautions.