It’s Memorial Day, the unofficial start of summer, but this is a summer that is leading us into uncharted waters and health officials are concerned. Temperatures will be climbing into the 80’s again today and with people already frustrated with the ongoing quarantine, there is sure to be an upsurge in people heading out to parks, beaches and numerous outdoor venues. Health officials are concerned that the anxiety to get out of the house will lead to many forgetting about social distancing. In trying to deal with the problem, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is restricting admittance to its 103 state parks to roughly 75-percent capacity. Signs have been placed along the beaches reminding visitors to stay at least six feet apart and to remain in groups of ten or less. With today’s forecast, many visitors will be planning on spending the entire day at a park. Officials warn that many of the restrooms remain closed because of a lack of staff needing for cleaning. Portable toilets will be available and park officials are reminding everyone to be patient in waiting your turn and to be sure to wear a mask had have your own hand sanitizer.
This summer of the unknown has also led to some concerns up north. Governor Whitmer last week lifted regulations on bars, restaurants and retailers in the U-P and 17 counties in northern Michigan. Local residents are not thrilled about a crush of visitors from the south. Many shops refused to open for the holiday weekend. One bar that was open in Traverse City posted a sign on its door that read, ‘if you’re not from northern Michigan, do not enter.’ At the State Theatre in the heart of the town, a sign on its marquee read ‘coming too soon, the tourist.’ Hardly a friendly welcome in what has historically been one of the busiest travel weekends of the year to the area.