KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — No shirt, no shoes, no mask, no service.
On Friday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed another executive order toughening the face mask mandate in Michigan.
As always, Michiganders are still required to wear a face covering while in an indoor public space, but they are also required in crowded outdoor spaces.
The biggest restriction in the executive order is that businesses that are open to the public can refuse entry or service to people who do not wear face coverings, “with limited exceptions,” according to the press release. Those exemptions are people younger than five-years-old, those who cannot medically tolerate a face covering, and those who are eating or drinking while seated at a food service establishment.
The mask requirement takes effect at 12:01 a.m. Monday, July 13th. Those who violate the order can face a $500 criminal penalty, “but no term of confinement may be imposed on individuals who violate the mask requirement,” the order states.
However, the restrictions are not as severe for places of worship. It states that no individual would be subject to penalty under the order for removing a mask while engaging in religious worship at a house of religious worship, “although consistent with guidance from the CDC, congregants are strongly encouraged to wear face coverings during religious services.”
Businesses must post signs at all entrances instructing customers of their legal obligation to wear a face covering while inside.
States like Kansas, Maine, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Washington already have similar face mask requirements.
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.”
This comes as every region in Michigan has seen an uptick in new cases, especially the Grand Rapids region.
More information can always be found at michigan.gov/coronavirus.
