Ann Arbor Times

As cases and hospitalizations for COVID-19 are rising dramatically once again, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has revised its orders for in-person gatherings.

MDHHS Director Robert Gordon has outlined specific definitions and revisions in gathering and face mask orders throughout the state. With the marked rise in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, the government and MDHHS have created stricter policies to deter Michiganders from violating the mandates. Gatherings are defined by Gordon as “any occurrence, either indoor or outdoor, where two or more persons from more than one household are present in a shared space.” 

With this definition serving as the groundwork for the new guidelines, the mandates now have consequences for violators of the orders. Those who gather in violation of the mask or social-distancing guidelines will be subject to civil fines ranging from $200 up to $1,000, according to Michigan.gov.

The majority of the new requirements took effect immediately, with the exception of one rule regarding restaurants and contact tracing. The rule, which includes documenting the names and phone numbers of patrons who dine in at restaurants with a time entry log. That rule will not take effect immediately to allow dining establishments to gather resources and implement the systems necessary to conduct the additional contact tracing.  

The guidelines span a variety of establishments, including food service, schools, sporting events and large venue gatherings, among others. The mask mandates apply to all of these locations where social distancing is not possible, as well as public transit and child-care organizations. There are some exemptions to the rules, which are outlined in greater detail on Michigan.gov.

Gordon concluded the order by saying, “This order remains in effect until rescinded. Persons with suggestions and concerns are invited to submit their comments via email to COVID19@michigan.gov.”