EAST LANSING— As positivity rates for COVID-19 continue to decrease across the campus of Michigan State, students are being permitted to resume two-person activities at IM facilities, including badminton, table tennis and pickleball.  

In an email sent to students on Friday evening, Senior Vice President for Residential and Hospitality Services Vennie Gore revealed the new changes that come as the enhanced physical distancing phase of the previous social distancing order is gradually lifted. Students who live on-campus were sent an additional email with further instructions. 

The initial order was issued on Jan. 30 and required all on-campus students to shelter in place, with the exception of class, work or going to purchase essential items. 

According to the email, the positivity rate amongst the on-campus population is currently at 0.75%, a slight decrease from previous weeks. Although cases are slowly going down, people involved within the university who may not live on-campus are being encouraged to participate in the MSU COVID-19 Early Detection program. 

In addition, failure to abide by the City of East Lansing’s emergency ordinance pertaining to COVID-19 is punishable by up to a $500 fine for each person involved. 

It is expected that the enhanced physical distancing mandate will be reviewed and rescinded on a weekly basis, as needed.