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The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has issued an Epidemic Order, to try to slow the skyrocketing increase of COVID-19 cases in the state.
The mandate stops well short of the stay-at-home order Governor Gretchen Whitmer imposed at the outbreak of the pandemic last spring, but will still have wide-ranging impact.
The rules will take effect at 12:01 am Wednesday, and are scheduled to last for three weeks. MDHHS Director Robert Gordon said they include:
• Masks must continue to be worn in public places, inside and outside…
• In-home gatherings should be avoided, but, if they must be held, must be limited…
“We strongly urge each family to gather over these three weeks with only one other family that is also being cautious.”
• Commercial activities that create indoor gatherings are suspended…
• Individualized business activities may continue…
• If you can work from home, you must. If you can’t, you can still go to work…
• Outdoor activities are still permitted…
• All high school face-to-face activities are prohibited. Classes will take place exclusively online. Local districts can still choose to continue in-person learning for grades kindergarten through eight…
• Most sports games and practices are canceled…
Governor Gretchen Whitmer said something had to be done to break the upward cycle of COVID-19 infections…
Whitmer had not finished her opening remarks at the press conference before Michigan Republican Chair Laura Cox ripped the plan, accusing the governor of “showing contempt for the people’s elected representatives.”
Whitmer said Republican legislative leaders have been involved in COVID-19 meetings, but have been of no help…
The Michigan Nurses Association applauded the moves.
Officials hope the three-week time frame will be long enough to turn the tide on the infection rate. If that doesn’t happen, or if people defy the order, stronger steps may be needed.
Again, the new restrictions take effect Wednesday. Students who were planning to go to school today and tomorrow should report as scheduled.
Baraga County remains the hardest-hit county in the state, with diagnoses up 122 percent from a week ago.
