Michigan State University to reopen in phases after enhanced physical distancing directive Updated Feb 13, 2021; Posted Feb 13, 2021 Facebook Share EAST LANSING, MI — Michigan State University is lifting a two-week enhanced physical distancing directive and will use a phased approach to reopening that will be modified on a week-to-week basis. MSU issued the directive on Jan. 31 as COVID-19 cases on campus continued to rise. It is being lifted at 11:59 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13. Although the university is seeing a slight reduction in positivity rates in the on-campus community, it has not met a safe enough level to fully lift the directive, according to a letter to students from Vennie Gore, interim vice president for student affairs and services, and David Weismantel, a university physician.