(WWJ) In an effort to cut down on big crowds of students at the University of Michigan and Eastern Michigan, the Washtenaw County Health Department has issued a public health emergency order that limits the size of social gatherings within the cities of Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti.
No more than 25 people will be permitted at any outdoor event while indoor events are already limited to 10 people.
The order takes effect this afternoon at five p.m. and will remain in effect until further notice.
This order comes as students at the University of Michigan and Eastern Michigan University will be moving into their dorms and houses over the next week.
The health officer for Washtenaw County says social gatherings without preventative measures can quickly lead to an increase in cases of the coronavirus.
In the past month, just over half of the COVID-19 cases in Washtenaw County have been in people 30-years-old and younger.
"Social gatherings without preventative measures can quickly lead to increased local cases of COVID," says Jimena Loveluck, MSW, health officer for Washtenaw County. "Additional restrictions on the size of outdoor gatherings as well as a strong recommendation to keep records of attendees will help prevent the spread of illness and allow us to respond quickly if cases are identified."
At any gathering, inside or out, individuals not living in the same household should keep at least six feet of distance from each other, she added
Face coverings continue to be required in indoor settings and any crowded outdoor settings under Executive Order 2020-153. Both the University of Michigan and Eastern Michigan University are requiring face coverings at all times on their campuses.
Washtenaw County has reported a total of 2,371 confirmed cases of COVID-19 to date. In the past month, COVID-19 cases in those 30 years of age and younger represented 51% of reported cases in Washtenaw County. Cases among those of college-age have increased locally and nationally over the summer. With thousands of students returning or relocating to area universities and living in congregate housing, the Washtenaw County Health Officer finds it reasonable and necessary to further limit the size of outdoor social gatherings and organized events and reinforce COVID-19 protective measures in coordination with local municipalities and universities.
"I support the Washtenaw County Health Officer's social gathering limitation 100% and thank her for her leadership," says Ann Arbor Mayor Christopher Taylor. "Permanent residents, students, and everyone in between needs to know that they are the key to slowing the spread of COVID-19. If we all follow public health guidance and wear masks inside and outside, maintain distance, and practice good hand hygiene, we can keep ourselves, first responders, and our neighbors as safe as possible. It's up to each of us to do our part."
And this order has some teeth: State law provides local health officers with the authority to issue orders to protect the public health under Section 2453 of the Public Health Code (MCL 333.2453). Those who disregard the order could be subject to a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than six months and/or a fine of up to $200.
