Whitmer Signs Executive Order Requiring Masks At Child-Care Centers, Camps

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(WWJ) Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has issued a new executive order, again strengthening mask requirements in Michigan. 

Whitmer on Thursday signed Executive Order 2020-164 which requires face coverings to be worn in all child-care centers and camps.

This comes as state officials say Michigan has seen COVID-19 outbreaks at these locations, adding to the mounting evidence that children can contract and spread the virus.

By requiring face coverings, child-care centers and camps can remain open while keeping children and staff members safe, the governor's office said.

READ: Executive Order 2020-164  “Child-care workers have been on the front lines of this crisis and have worked tirelessly to provide a safe place for our children and families during this time. COVID-19 is still a very real threat to Michiganders of all ages, and we must continue to stay vigilant and use every tool at our disposal to protect ourselves and each other,” said Whitmer, in a statement.

“I am committed to doing everything in my power to protect people of all ages from COVID-19. By masking up, we can all be a part of the solution to further prevent the spread of the virus and save lives.”   Executive Order 2020-164 requires the following:

  • All staff and children ages 2 and up must wear a face covering on a school bus or other transportation.
  • All staff and children ages 4 and up must wear a face covering in all indoor common spaces.
  • All staff and all children 12 and older must wear a face covering when in classrooms, homes, cabins, or similar indoor small-group settings.
  • All children ages 2 and up are "strongly encouraged" to wear face coverings when indoors.

Ressidents should note that face coverings are not required for any child who cannot medically tolerate it, during meal time, while swimming, during high-intensity activities, outside while physically distanced, or if a child is under the age of 2.  

State officials note that these rules align with the existing rules on face coverings that already apply to preK-12 schools across Michigan.  

The new order comes just a couple of days after Whitmer issued an Executive Directive instructing Michigan State Police and other state agencies enforce COVID-19-related laws, including mask requirements, ensuring they are given "priority"

“Masks continue to be one of the best ways to contain the spread of COVID-19, and they can be safely worn by most of us over the age of two,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and MDHHS chief deputy for health. “Be a role model for your children and demonstrate the importance of wearing a mask. Have your child practice properly wearing a mask – over their nose, mouth and chin – while they are at home so they are comfortable with it in public. It will take all of us, of all ages, doing our part to continue slowing the spread of this disease and to protect our families and communities.”    If a child-care center is located in a region in Phase 5 of the MI Safe Start Plan (which at this point only includes Regions 6 and 8 —  a portion of Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula), face coverings are not required, but are still strongly recommended. Child-care centers and camps may use facilities that are otherwise closed under Executive Order 2020-160. Furthermore, child-care centers and camps must follow additional guidelines on infection control as determined by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, the order states.  Also Thursday, the governor extended Executive Order 2020-146, temporary COVID-19 protocols for entry into Michigan Department of Corrections facilities, until August 15, 2020.