According to the press release, capacity in both indoor and outdoor settings will increase to 100% beginning June 22 and the state will no longer require residents to wear a face mask. 

These will allow for resturants, bars, fitness facilities and more to be open at full capacity with no mask mandates.

"Today is a day that we have all been looking forward to, as we can safely get back to normal day-to-day activities and put this pandemic behind us," Whitmer said in the release. "We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the medical experts and health professionals who stood on the front lines to keep us all safe. And we are incredibly thankful to all of the essential workers who kept our state moving."

Whitmer also extended her appreciation to the millions of Michiganders who got vaccinated against COVID-19, due to which the state government has been able to make these changes ahead of the schedule.

"MDHHS will continue to provide recommendations to keep Michiganders safe and reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission in higher risk settings and places where vulnerable populations or populations with large numbers of individuals are not yet fully vaccinated," the release said.

Half of Michiganders have completed their vaccination, according to data from Michigan Care Improvement Registry, with over 60% having gotten their first shot.

The release also reported that Michigan is currently experiencing 24.3 cases per million and has recorded a 1.9% positivity rate over the last seven days.  

"This is great news and a day all of us have been looking forward to for more than a year," MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel said. "We have said all along that the vaccine would help us return to a sense of normalcy and today we announce that day is here." 

Nearly five million Michiganders ages 16 and older have received their first vaccine dose, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data. 

"Our top priority going forward is utilizing the federal relief funding in a smart, sustainable way as we put Michigan back to work and jumpstart our economy," Whitmer said in the release. "We have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to ensure that Michigan's families, small businesses, and communities emerge from this pandemic stronger than ever before."