(WWJ) The Oakland County Health Department has issued a local health order aimed at preventing the spread of COVID-19.
Oakland County Health Officer Leigh-Anne Stafford issued Order 2020-12 that requires wearing masks or facial coverings in Oakland County in public (outside of homes).
"Health and science experts agree that facial coverings are critical to controlling the virus," Oakland County Executive David Coulter said in the release. "We have come too far to backslide now especially as we want to get kids back to school and our economy moving again."
The Order states a resident must cover his or her face:
-In any indoor public space; this includes all students in grades kindergarten through twelve.
-When outdoors and unable to consistently maintain a distance of six feet or more from individuals who are not members of their household
-When waiting for or riding on public transportation, while in a taxi or ride-sharing vehicle, school bus or when using a private car service as a means of hired transportation.
-Athletes training for, practicing for, or competing in an organized sport must wear a facial covering (except when swimming) or consistently maintain 6 feet of social distance (except for occasional and fleeting moments).
Exceptions under the order are those who:
-Are younger than five years old, though children two years old and older are strongly encouraged to wear a face covering, pursuant to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ("CDC")
-Cannot medically tolerate a face covering.
-Are eating or drinking while seated at a food service establishment.
-Are exercising when wearing a face covering would interfere in the activity.
-Are receiving a service for which temporary removal of the face covering is necessary to perform the service.
-Are entering a business or are receiving a service and are asked to temporarily remove a face covering for identification purposes.
-Are communicating with someone who is hearing impaired or otherwise disabled and where the ability to see the mouth is essential to communication.
-Are actively engaged in a public safety role, including but not limited to law enforcement, firefighters, or emergency medical personnel.
-Are officiating at a religious service; or
-Are giving a speech for broadcast or an audience
"Oakland County was hit hard by COVID-19 and the virus is still in our communities," Stafford, said. "The law provides the tools for a local health officer to protect the public's health during an epidemic and that is my solemn responsibility."
The Oakland County Health Department reports 1,145 residents have died from the virus; the second highest death toll of any Michigan County. Wayne County had the most deaths, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
16,492 Oakland County residents in total have tested positive for COVID-19. The last reported death in the county was on September 28, when one person died. The 7-day average of daily cases on Saturday was 59, according to the Oakland County Health Department.
More than 1,050 of the people who died, or 91%, were over the age of 60, according to the Oakland County COVID-19 Dashboard. 77% were over the age of 70.
In total, 605 males and 540 females died in Oakland County. However, far more males than females under the age of 60 died from the virus.
40 males 50-59 years old died compared to 13 females in the same age group. 40-49: 20 males and 8 females passed away. 30-39: 7 males, 3 females.
The Oakland County Health Department reports 13,974 residents are considered recovered from the virus.
MDHHS data shows 2.4%, or 94 out of the 3,812 COVID-19, tests conducted in the county between Thursday and Friday afternoon came back positive; below the statewide average of a 2.91% positivity rate.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer said in a statement all of her active executive orders will continue for the next 21 days, including mask mandates.
