(Iron Mountain Athletics photo) IRON MOUNTAIN HEAD football coach Robin Marttila takes the temperature of Caleb Burklund before he is allowed to enter the weight room Wednesday morning at the Izzo-Mariucci Center at Iron Mountain High School. Caleb Evosevich-Hynes and Bryce Pietrantonio wait in line.

EAST LANSING — More good news for local sports came from the office of the Michigan High School Athletic Association Tuesday afternoon.

Beginning Wednesday, schools throughout the U.P. are now allowed to begin indoor activities in groups of 50 and outdoor activities in groups of up to 250 as long as social distancing takes place and equipment is cleaned properly. Schools in the northwestern Lower Peninsula can do the same, as these regulations apply for Regions 6 and 8; the U.P. is Region 8.

Although a group of 50 may meet indoors, the MHSAA recommends smaller groups of the same students continue to work out together. This will allow for a better response and easier tracing should a positive case of COVID-19 be discovered. Also, because most weight rooms cannot accommodate social distancing for groups of 50, the MHSAA recommends cycling in these smaller groups to weight rooms with proper cleaning of equipment between rotations.

The previous update sent out June 2 allowed for schools to reopen outdoor facilities in groups of up to 100. Currently, other regions in the state will have to continue to follow those guidelines. However, the MHSAA noted administrators and coaches should begin preparing for the allowance of similar opportunities now open in Regions 6 and 8.

Competition is not yet allowed because participants must continue to follow social distancing.

As of now, there is no decision on the horizon as to the status of the fall sports season. The MHSAA has been proactive in making changes the last couple of weeks, as Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has eased restrictions in certain parts of the state.