Governor Whitmer Announces Statewide Mask Mandate

Mask Up Jefferson! 

Jefferson East, Inc. (JEI) would like to remind you of the critical importance (and State of Michigan requirement) of wearing a mask. Studies have indicated that the simple act of wearing a mask can dramatically reduce the spread of COVID-19.  On Thursday, July 9, 2020, Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued Executive Order 2020 147 that strengthens Michigan's mask requirements.  JEI wants everyone to "Mask Up!" 

To quote from the order:

"Our progress in suppressing COVID-19, however, appears to have stalled.  Over the past two weeks, every region in Michigan has seen an uptick in new cases, and daily case counts now exceed 20 cases per million in the Grand Rapids, Detroit and Lansing regions.  Research confirms that a big part of the reason is spotty compliance with my requirement, issued in prior orders, that individuals wear face coverings in public spaces. 

A study on 3 different regions in Germany, for example, suggests that the adoption of mandatory mask ordinances decreased the daily growth rate of COVID-19 infections by 40%.  Modeling from the University of Washington, similarly, indicates that more than 40,000 lives would be spared nationwide if 95% of the population wore a mask while in public.  And a study conducted by Goldman Sachs concluded that a federal mask mandate could save the U.S. economy from taking a 5% hit to GDP. Wearing a mask is an effective and low-cost way to protect ourselves and our families from a deadly disease. It should be—and is—the responsibility of every Michigander."

This order reiterates that individuals are required to wear a face covering whenever they are in an indoor public space. It also requires the use of face coverings in crowded outdoor spaces. Most significantly, the order requires any business that is open to the public to refuse entry or service to people who refuse to wear a face covering. No shirts, no shoes, no mask—no service. 

Acting under the Michigan Constitution of 1963 and Michigan law, I order the following: 1. Any individual who leaves their home or place of residence must wear a face covering over their nose and mouth: 

a. When in any indoor public space;

b. When outdoors and unable to consistently maintain a distance of six feet or more from individuals who are not members of their household; and 

c. When waiting for or riding on public transportation, while in a taxi or ridesharing vehicle, or when using a private car service as a means of hired transportation.

2. The requirement to wear a face covering does not apply to individuals who:

a. Are younger than five years old, though children two years old and older are strongly encouraged to wear a face covering, pursuant to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”);

b. Cannot medically tolerate a face covering;

c. Are eating or drinking while seated at a food service establishment;

d. Are exercising when wearing a face covering would interfere in the activity;

e. Are receiving a service for which temporary removal of the face covering is necessary to perform the service;

f. Are entering a business or are receiving a service and are asked to temporarily remove a face covering for identification purposes;

g. Are communicating with someone who is hearing impaired or otherwise disabled and where the ability to see the mouth is essential to communication; 

h. Are actively engaged in a public safety role, including but not limited to law enforcement, firefighters, or emergency medical personnel; 

i. Are officiating at a religious service; or 

j. Are giving a speech for broadcast or an audience. 

3. To protect workers, shoppers, and the community, no business that is open to the public may provide service to a customer or allow a customer to enter its premises, unless the customer is wearing a face covering as required by this order. 

a. Businesses that are open to the public must post signs at entrance(s) instructing customers of their legal obligation to wear a face covering while inside. The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity may, in its discretion, require such businesses to post signs developed and made available by the Department, or conforming to requirements established by the Department.

b. A department or agency that learns that a licensee is in violation of this section will consider whether the public health, safety or welfare requires summary, temporary suspension of the business’s license to operate (including but not limited to a liquor license) under section 92 of the Administrative Procedures Act of 1969, 1969 PA 306, as amended, MCL 24.292(2).”

To read the full order, please click here. 

During this time of crisis, it is vitally important that we do all we can to protect each other! So, let’s all Mask Up!!

For more information of the utilization of masks, please see the CDC guidelines here, the World Health Organization’s guidelines here, and the State of Michigan guidelines here. 

Be safe! 

Your friends at Jefferson East, Inc.