LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — In order to further slow the spread of the coronavirus, Governor Whitmer has signed Executive Order 2020-11, which puts a temporary ban on events or gatherings over 50 people.
The executive order has been signed in accordance with new guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which were issued on March 15.
It follows Whitmer’s order on Monday to close all Michigan bars, restaurants, and certain other areas. Food can still be purchased through delivery or take-out. It also follows her order to provide expanded unemployment for those affected by closures.
As written, this order changes the temporary restrictions imposed on events and assemblages by Executive Order 2020-5, which will be rescinded once these new regulations go into effect.
The bill goes into effect at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, March 17. It will not change restrictions imposed by Executive Order 2020-5 regarding the closure of elementary school buildings and secondary school buildings.
The order also does not include health care facilities, workplaces not open to the public, the state legislature, mass transit, the purchase of groceries or consumer goods, and the performance of agricultural or construction work.
“My number one priority remains to protect the most people we can from the spread of coronavirus,” Whitmer said. “We are all better off when all of us are healthy, and that’s especially true for the most vulnerable. These aggressive actions are aimed at saving lives. My administration will continue to do everything we can to mitigate the spread of the disease and ensure our children, families, and businesses have the support they need during these challenging times. We are going to pull through this together, just as Michigan has done in the past.”
State health officials are also weighing in on the decision.
“The purpose of the Executive Order, and taking actions like these, is to limit close contact between individuals because of the specific way the virus spreads through respiratory droplets,” said MDHHS Chief Deputy for Health and Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun. “These are very difficult decisions, but I believe together we can work to make the necessary adjustments to contain the pandemic and support one another.”
Symptoms for coronavirus include the following:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
State officials maintain that the best way to avoid sickness is to practice good hygiene and practice social distancing, especially from people who are already sick.
- If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19, call your health care provider. If you do not have a health care provider, call the nearest hospital.
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. If not available, use hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or upper sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid contact with people who are sick.
- If you are sick, stay home, and avoid contact with others.
- Stay at least 6 feet away from others when in a public setting.
Information is changing rapidly on this subject. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.
