(WWJ/AP) A small college in southern Michigan is holding a graduation ceremony this weekend, a decision that is stirring concerns about the coronavirus.
Hillsdale College is expecting 2,600 students, family members and others at the outdoor ceremony Saturday.
The college said attendees will be wearing masks and will have their temperature checked.
The event is planned while Michigan sees a spike in daily virus cases. The state health department reported 891 new cases on Wednesday; the highest single day jump since May 14.
Ryan Jarvi, press secretary for Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, noted that organized gatherings of more than 100 people are prohibited by law in most of Michigan at this time, including in Hillsdale.
"Such events clearly show a lack of consideration for the dangerous threat this virus presents," Jarvi told the Detroit News. "Should this event proceed, we trust the local law enforcement agencies to exercise their authority and discretion in their enforcement efforts."
On the contrary, Hillsdale County Sheriff Tim Parker said his office has not enforced any of the governor's virus-related orders, and does not intend to do so now.
He told the newspaper his department is too busy dealing with other problems. "We just don’t have the manpower, nor is that a top priority of our community," Parker added.
Meanwhile, most schools have canceled or postponed spring graduation ceremonies.
Just announced: Oakland University graduates who missed out on commencement ceremonies in the spring will be able to celebrate in late August. Administrators have planned "drive-in" commencement ceremonies for August 28 and 29. Families will be able to stay in their vehicles and watch photos of students and listen to recorded speeches while parked in a lot on the Oakland University campus.
OU graduates, who will stay six feet from others, will be able to walk across a stage and receive their diplomas at the end of the ceremony.