LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — With Michigan’s coronavirus death toll continuing to rise, Governor Gretchen Whitmer is implementing more executive orders, hoping to prevent the spread and flatten the curve.
On Sunday she signed an executive order which renews the non-essential visitor restrictions for all health care facilities, residential care facilities, congregate care facilities, and juvenile justice facilities until May 3.
This restricts visitors who are:
- Not necessary for the provision of medical care
- Not needed for the support of activities of daily living
- Do not exercise the power of attorney or court-appointed guardianship for an individual under the facility’s care
- Not a parent, foster parent, or guardian of an individual who is 21 years of age or under and who is under the facility’s care
- Not visiting an individual under the facility’s care that is in serious or critical condition or in hospice care
- Not visiting under exigent circumstances or for the purpose of performing official governmental functions
According to the press release, “The birth of a child qualifies as an exigent circumstance under the order, meaning that a partner and doula may accompany a laboring mother, if they pass the health evaluation required by the order.”
More specifically, residential care facilities include, but are not limited to, homes for the aged, nursing homes, adult foster care facilities, hospice facilities, substance abuse disorder residential facilities, independent living facilities, and assisted living facilities.
The governor is encouraging more facilities to utilize remote visitations, using phone or video conferencing software.
“We must continue to do everything we can to protect Michiganders, This is a hard time for families, and we will continue to put their health and safety first when making these decisions,” said Governor Whitmer.
More information can be found at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus.
