News Photo by Steve Schulwitz A customer goes through the drive-thru at an Alpena McDonald's on Monday.

ALPENA — Friday will be a big day for businesses in Northeast Michigan as they will be allowed to reopen if they can comply with some rules set by the state to keep people safe from COVID-19.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced today that retail stores, bars, and restaurants in the Upper Peninsula and northern Michigan can reopen, with limits on occupancy. Social gatherings of up to 10 people can also take place thanks to the easing of some restrictions that had been set in mid-March to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

To open, businesses are required to train employees on proper disinfecting and cleaning methods and how to self-monitor their own health. The recommended social distancing practices, such as maintaining six feet of separation between strangers, must be maintained. Restaurants and bars can only operate at 50% its normal occupancy.

Local governments can also institute policies to slow an opening in their respective community if they so choose.

Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce President Adam Poll said the news is welcome for local businesses. He said it may take some time for businesses to get up and running, but he is confident they will be able to meet requirements and serve customers and staff in a safe manner.

“I think it will be a tough road back for many of the businesses, because people may be nervous about venturing out, but I believe there will be people who will be excited to return to work and start being able to serve their patrons in the safest manner possible,” he said.

Local public health departments announced no new cases of coronavirus infection or deaths today. The number of infected Alpena County residents remained at 91, Presque Isle County residents 11, Montmorency County residents five, and Alcona County residents six.

So far, nine Alpena County residents have died while infected and one Alcona County resident has died.

In a press release, Whitmer said being able to relax restrictions is good, but she also warned people not to let their guard down and to stay smart in public.

“This is a big step, but we must all remember to continue doing our part to protect ourselves and our families from the spread of COVID-19,” Whitmer said in a statement. “It’s crucial that all businesses do everything in their power to protect their workers, customers, and their families. And as we approach Memorial Day weekend, I encourage everyone to be smart and be safe. My team and I will continue to work around the clock to protect the people of Michigan.”

State Rep. Sue Allor, R-Wolverine, said northern Michigan is primed to open for business, but in a safe and responsible manner.

“I am glad businesses such as retailers, bars and restaurants will be able to reopen as soon as Friday in certain areas,” Allor said. “Areas that can safely operate and serve their customers certainly should, and I am pleased we will be moving forward in the right direction with this recent announcement.”

Bill Hallan, president and CEO of the Michigan Retailers Association, said he appreciates the move by Whitmer, but also stressed that there are many businesses in other parts of the state that are also primed to open. He said the organization will work with the governor to make sure that happens as soon and safely as possible.

“This is a great first step” Hallan said in a statement. “We appreciate that the governor has used a regional approach, as we suggested, to open retail in some areas of the state before the Memorial Day weekend. This is a good step, but many retailers who aren’t yet allowed to open are struggling to stay in business. We strongly hope retailers in southern and mid-Michigan can reopen soon.”

Alpena Area Convention and Visitors Bureau President Mary Beth Stutzman said businesses opening is a good thing for them, employees and the community as a whole.

However, she said people need to remember when they go out for a meal, cocktail, or shopping that circumstances and operations at these businesses have changed and customers need to be considerate of that. Stutzman said that, hopefully, in time, things can return to more normal service and expectations.

“It is important to be realistic about expectations,” she said. “As the next few months roll out, it is expected to be a slow, steady climb to get back to what may be considered normal operation. Spending habits of customers will be different too. A realistic scenario is to be prepared to be patient as we all learn how to navigate this new environment. Best-case scenario, we prepare for the long haul and are hopefully pleasantly surprised with how quickly the economy bounces back.”

Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance Executive Director Scott Herceg said the alliance has been in constant communications with the governor working to find a safe and effective way to reopen and will work with business owners and employees to adapt to any changes.

“Alliance chamber and economic development organizations have all been highly involved at the local level in response to the economic and health crises in their respective communities — and have joined forces to collectively advocate for northern Michigan at the state and federal levels,” he said in a statement. “Rural northern Michigan communities are committed to partnering with public health and implementing clear guidelines for safe operating practices, including expanded health screening and testing, use of (personal protective equipment), and employing modified social-distancing practices and comprehensive cleaning procedures to avoid future spikes.”