Residents throughout the state have expressed confusion regarding the current health regulations regarding the current pandemic, particularly in light of the increased number of reported cases of COVID 19 and the rising death toll in the state.
Wayne County officials issued a new emergency public health order last week to help slow the spread of COVID-19. A release states that the order echoes the orders first presented by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's administration.
“We are keeping the COVID-19 rules and regulations in place from before the Michigan Supreme Court ruled on the governor's authority to issue them,” Wayne County Executive Warren Evans said. “Wayne County's order is simple: keep wearing masks in public; no group events larger than 10 people or 20 percent attendance per 1,000 square-feet of space; and, employers must still provide health screenings for employees working in public areas or with the public. These are the rules we are accustomed to and they are the rules we are going to follow until there is clearer direction from the state.”
The emergency order is immediately in effect, and will likely remain in effect until the end of the month, officials noted.
Additionally, the county requires residents and businesses under jurisdiction of the Wayne County Public Health Department to continue wearing face masks while in public spaces; limit group events to 10 people or less, or in the case of arena or entertainment event and with fixed seating, limit attendance to 20 percent of the venue seating capacity to allow for social distancing.
The order will continue protections for residents of long-term care facilities and screen employees for COVID-19 symptoms. Schools in Wayne County must also continue to follow the state Return to School plan.
County officials said the measures will continue to be enforced and violations will be subject to citation and penalties.
“Wayne County residents and businesses recognize the importance these health safety measures play in reducing the spread of COVID-19, and we have seen strong compliance across our 43 communities,” Evans said.
“This order just makes it clear that Wayne County is going to continue with the public health safety rules everyone is accustomed to and that are showing results in slowing the spread of this disease.”
