LANSING, Mi (Great Lakes News) – Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said she “hopes” to open restaurants to indoor diners on February 1st, however, industry insiders say a firm plan must be in place to avoid further damage.

John McNamara with the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association (MRLA) said, “We would like a guarantee that restaurants can open on this date and once they’re open they can stay open.”

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McNamara also stressed, “If it comes out that you can be open at 25% [capacity] with an 8:00 p.m. curfew, and restaurants have to redo their HVAC systems, it does not do any good.”

McNamara said that State Health Director Robert Gordon hinted at HVAC restrictions, but the MRLA has not been given any details.