LANSING, MI (WTVB) – New rules about wearing masks in Michigan officially go into effect today.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer handed down an executive order Friday that requires people to wear masks not only in enclosed public spaces, but also in outdoor spaces where social distancing cannot be consistently maintained. Violators could face a misdemeanor punishable by a $500 dollar fine.
The new order also mandates that businesses refuse service to anyone who refuses to wear a mask. Businesses that do not follow the order could lose their license.
In a written statement, Governor Whitmer said, “The heroes on the front lines of this crisis have gone hours without taking their masks off every day – doctors, nurses, child care workers, grocery store workers. We owe it to them to wear our masks when we’re on a trip to the grocery store or pharmacy. Masks can reduce the chance of spreading COVID-19 by about 70 percent. By wearing masks, we can save lives and protect our family, friends, and neighbors from the spread of COVID-19. And by wearing masks now, we can put our state in a stronger position so our kids can return to school safely in the fall. For the sake of your loved ones, let’s all mask up, Michigan.”
The latest executive orders and more COVID-19 information can always be found at michigan.gov/coronavirus.
