Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Friday eased some restrictions on business and leisure activities while extending Michigan’s stay-at-home order to May 15, but there remains a possibility that prohibitions could be tightened again in the future, the governor said.

"It depends on you," Whitmer said to Michiganders. "If we continue to see our numbers decline, we can responsibly consider additional steps we can take. If we see an increase, we may have to be nimble enough to go backward, on occasion."

Read Michigan’s revised stay-at-home order that allows some businesses to reopen

Whitmer calls this the “preliminary stage of re-engagement.” The new order allows some businesses to reopen, including landscapers, lawn-service companies, nurseries, garden centers, bike repair shops and certain retailers – albeit with certain restrictions in place.

Motorized boating and golfing can also resume, but Whitmer said golf carts cannot be used. Residents with multiple houses can travel between homes again, but are encouraged to stay where they are.

"While it's understandable to be lured by the phenomenal beauty of this great state and hit the road, we know that our rural hospitals are not equipped to meet an influx of people who may bring or spread the virus," Whitmer said.

The loosened restrictions go into effect immediately.

A requirement to make people wear masks in indoor public places takes effect Sunday night, Whitmer said. People who don’t comply won’t face criminal penalties, she said, but could be refused service from a store.

Masks now required, motorboating is back and AirBnb rentals are banned: Here’s what changed in Michigan’s latest stay-home order

As of Thursday, April 23, Michigan had 35,291 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 2,977 deaths.

The relaxation of some restrictions is possible because of the lower number of new cases, greater amounts of personal protective equipment available in hospitals, the more capacity available at hospitals and the larger amounts of testing being done, Whitmer said.

State officials will continue monitoring those factors to see if Michigan needs to reapply some restrictions, or if it can further open up its economy, said Michigan Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun.

The new stay-at-home order does not have a regional component – meaning the order applies equally to all parts of Michigan. While Southeast Michigan has more cases, the rest of Michigan has started seeing increases in cases and deaths recently.

Khaldun has spoken with hospital officials who are concerned about their small bed capacity, if the outbreak in rural areas grows.

"It's really too early, I think, to be saying that some parts of the state should be opening," Khaldun said.

Staying home is still the best weapon for limiting the spread of COVID-19, Whitmer said, and Michiganders can’t let up.

“We’ve saved lives in this process,” Whitmer said. “The thing about public health is, when you do it well, you never know how many lives you saved. But we do know that it’s worked and we’ve pushed the curve down.”

COVID-19 PREVENTION TIPS

In addition to washing hands regularly and not touching your face, officials recommend practicing social distancing, assuming anyone may be carrying the virus.

Health officials say you should be staying at least 6 feet away from others and working from home, if possible.

Carry hand sanitizer with you, and use disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray cleaners on frequently-touched surfaces in your home (door handles, faucets, countertops) and when you go into places like stores.

Read more Michigan coronavirus coverage here

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Masks now required, motorboating is back and AirBnb rentals are banned: Here’s what changed in Michigan’s latest stay-home order