The most recent COVID-19 report from Copper Country Strong and the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department shows it is the right time for restrictions to be lifted. The number of new cases in the Copper Country is at a level not seen since last summer.
The latest numbers cover a two-week period from June 4th to June 17th. Houghton, Baraga, and Keweenaw Counties had a combined nine cases over the timeframe, a little more than one every two days. Western UP Health Officer Kate Beer reported to the County Board of Commissioners that activity has all but dried up.
COVID restrictions were originally supposed to be eased on July 1st, but Governor Gretchen Whitmer changed the effective date to Tuesday last week. Capacity returns to 100% for all businesses and activities, indoors and outdoors, and the mask mandate is also rescinded, even for unvaccinated individuals.