Michiganders are still required to wear masks, and the size of indoor gatherings will still be limited, the state health director said Monday.
Michiganders are still required to wear masks, and the size of indoor gatherings will still be limited, despite confusion following a state Supreme Court ruling that undercut Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s authority to issue emergency orders to control the spread of the novel coronavirus. Dr. Robert Gordon, director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, announced Monday afternoon a series of public health orders to continue to require masks and limit gatherings to stop the spread of COVID-19. “I want to make clear today’s order is lawful under the Michigan Supreme Court’s recent decision,” Gordon said, adding that “it’s important to stay the course we’ve been on.” More: Michigan cities, counties uncertain on mask requirements amid Supreme Court ruling “The science is clear wearing a mask can reduce the chance of transmitting COVID by 70%,” he said. “Even with a mask, transmission is likely if some people are within six feet of each other for 15 minutes, particularly indoors. The failure to take proper precautions can enable COVID to spread — whether at an East Lansing bar or the White House. “We are tired of the virus, but the virus is not tired of us.” The orders are effective immediately and mirror those Whitmer previously put into place, requiring: Masks to be worn at indoor and outdoor gatherings: Or anyplace where people from multiple households share a space in a group of two or more. Limited gatherings: Indoor gatherings of more than 10 people and up to 500 people at a non-residential venue are permitted within the following limits: In sports: Athletes training or practicing for or competing in an organized sport must wear a facial covering, except when swimming, or consistently maintain six feet of social distance. Violations are considered misdemeanors, and punishable by not more than six months in jail or a fine of not more than $200, or both. Violations also are punishable by a civil fine of up to $1,000. This comes as the state is seeing an increase in coronavirus infections, in the percentage of positive tests, and deaths, said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical officer and chief deputy director of MDHHS. “COVID-19 is still very present across the state, and particularly in the U.P., cases, hospitalzations and deaths are rising,” she said. Gordon said Monday that these new public health orders take effect immediately and will continue until Oct.30. “We will not need these orders forever,” he said. Whitmer and Gordon filed a motion with the state Supreme Court on Monday, requesting it clarify that its 4-3 ruling Friday does not take effect until Oct.
