(WWJ) Schools must alert the public about COVID-19 outbreaks in the classroom, and quickly, under order of the state health department.
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Director Robert Gordon on Tuesday issued an Emergency Order requiring K-12 schools to provide public notice to the school community about probable and confirmed cases of COVID-19, within 24 hours.
The order requires local health departments to notify schools within 24 hours of learning of a probable or confirmed school-associated case of COVID-19. Upon notification, schools must provide public notification on a highly visible location on the school's website that covers the impacted building or location within 24 hours. Schools are encouraged to provide information about measures in place at the school to prevent transmission of COVID-19, as well as measures that individuals can take to prevent transmission. [READ THE ORDER>
This comes after MDHHS on Monday reported coronavirus outbreaks in 24 schools and universities across the state. The most cases of the outbreak were reported at Holy Redeemer pre-school and elementary in southwest Detroit where 11 students and staff members have had positive cases of the coronavirus. The only other new outbreak reported in the tri-county area is at Lutheran Westland High School where four cases were reported. [MORE ON SCHOOL OUTBREAKS>
"Recent outbreaks throughout the country demonstrate that COVID-19 can spread quickly in the school setting," said Gordon. "Timely communication from schools to parents, guardians, students, teachers, staff and other persons affiliated with schools enables members of the school community to take measures to prevent spread of the virus."
In addition to the public notice, local health departments will continue to provide direct notification to individuals who are, or are suspected, of being a close contact of school-associated case.
This order goes into effect on Monday, Oct. 12.
The governor, meanwhile, is not backing down from any of Michigan's pandemic orders after a state Supreme Court ruling took away her emergency powers.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, meanwhile, made clear she intends to continue to work through the health department to protect Michiganders from COVID-19.
Gordon, using his own authority under a law not affected by the court ruling, issued a wide-ranging COVID-19 Emergency Order restricting gathering sizes, requiring masks in public, and placing limitations on bars and other venues, through Oct. 30. [READ THE DETAILS>
Other orders issued by Gordon on Tuesday — basically copies of Whitmer's previous orders — pertain to protections for nursing home residents and staff, and at congregate care and juvenile justice epidemic order. [READ THEM HERE.>
Speaking at a news conference earlier Tuesday, the governor doubled down on the mask mandate.
"A mask remains the best tool we have to keep our businesses open," Whitmer said. "A mask remains the best tool we have to keep our kids in school. A mask remains the best tool we have to protect our lives and our livelihoods and our families."
The governor stressed that, although she lost her power to issue COVID-19 executive orders, the state Supreme Court ruling did not mean her interpretation of the 1945 emergency law was wrong."And what this ruling also does not mean is that all the protections that we put in place are gone; that's just not the case. We have additional authorities that I will use to continue to protect our families from the threat of this virus," she said.
As for what comes next, Whitmer said state lawmaker should return to Lansing to to negotiate coronavirus COVID-19 protections.
"I'm ready to work with the legislature, but I'm never going to negotiate when it comes to doing the right thing and protecting the people's health," Whitmer said. "This is a deadly virus that still poses a very real threat. It still preys on our most (vulnerable) populations. And as your governor, I will continue to use every tool at my disposal to combat COVID-19."
"I'm here in the Capitol today. The legislature's not," Whitmer added. "I'm hoping that they will cancel their October recess and get back to work."
Checking in on the overall numbers, MDHHA on Tuesday reported 903 new confirmed COVID-19 cases and 22 deaths, including 7 deaths identified during a Vital Records review.
Michigan's total cases are now 129,826 and 6,838 deaths. A total of 99,521 people who were infected are now considered recovered.
Get more stats from the state, and details on where to get tested michigan.gov/coronavirus. Residents with suggestions and concerns about COVID-19 or COVID-19 orders in Michigan can send an email to COVID19@michigan.gov.
