(WWJ) The state health department is now leaving it up to Michiganders to assess their own risk of COVID-19 exposure — including making decisions about when to wear a mask.
As coronavirus cases and hospitalizations continue to decline, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services on Wednesday updated its guidance on face coverings in public.
In what officials call Michigan's "post-surge recovery phase" — effective immediately — MDHHS is no longer urging school leaders and others to require masks in many indoor settings.
During this phase, state health officials still recommend that people continue to wear masks in high-risk settings that include long-term care facilities, homeless shelters, jails, and health care facilities. Those who are isolating or in quarantine should also continue to wear masks.
MDHHS said individuals who may be at higher risk of infection or who feel better protected when masked should choose when they feel comfortable masking. Michiganders are also asked to consider their family members’ risk factors and vaccination status when making the personal decision whether to mask.
Meanwhile, school districts and other organizations are urged to work with their local health departments to determine mask policies.
Related
"This is good news for Michigan," said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, in a news release. "While Michigan hasn't had statewide mask policies since last June, this updated guidance will underscore that we are getting back to normal. Let's keep working together to build on our momentum so we can keep our kids learning in person.”
“Individuals and families should assess their own risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission and make choices about when it makes sense to wear masks,” added Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “We want to make sure individuals and local communities have the information and tools they need to make choices for their families based on their personal situation and local community conditions. We continue to strongly urge all residents ages 5 and older get the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine and to get boosted when eligible as the vaccine continues to be our best defense against the virus.”
This news follows Whitmer’s signing of the bipartisan $1.2 billion supplemental funding bill, which includes $150.8 million for testing and screenings in schools so kids can continue safely learning in-person.
MDHHS continues to recommend the following actions to reduce the spread of the virus and its varients:
- Get vaccinated against COVID-19.Michiganders should get up to date on their COVID-19 vaccine. Learn more about vaccines and when you’re up to date at gov/COVIDVaccine.
- After testing positive for COVID-19, individuals are encouraged to talk to their doctors about whether they meet eligibility criteria and should get antibody or antiviral treatment to help with their recovery. Learn more about COVID-19 Therapeutics.
- Isolation and Quarantine. Staying away from others when you are sick or were recently exposed to COVID-19 are important tools to preventing further spread of the virus. Learn more about what happens when you have or are exposed to COVID-19
- Get tested if you are exposed or have symptoms. Anyone with signs or symptoms of COVID-19 should get tested regardless of vaccination status or prior infection. If you get tested because you have symptoms or were potentially exposed to the virus, you should stay away from others while you wait for your test result. Testing before unmasked gatherings provides an additional layer of protection. Find a test site at gov/CoronavirusTest.
- Take additional steps to protect yourself and others. For additional guidance on mitigation strategies see How to Protect Yourself and Others
- Get a free mask. Free KN95 masks are being distributed by community organizations, including local MDHHS offices, health departments and Area Agency on Aging offices. Residents who want masks can obtain masks from partner agencies across the state. Michiganders are asked to refer to partner websites or social media sites to find out about mask availability as opposed to calling sites.
Get complete COVID-19 information in Michigan at this link.
Related
