Whitmer's New Executive Order Requires Masks At Child-Care Centers, Camps
LANSING, Mich. (CBS DETROIT) - Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's new executive order requires face coverings to be worn in all child-care centers and camps.
The governor signed the executive order Thursday since Michigan has seen COVID-19 outbreaks at these locations, adding to the mounting evidence that children can contract and spread the virus.
By requiring face coverings, child-care centers and camps can remain open while keeping children and staff members safe.
Here are the requirements:
- All staff and children ages 2 and up to wear a face covering on a school bus or other transportation.
- All staff and children ages 4 and up must wear a face covering in all indoor common spaces.
- All staff and all children 12 and older are required to wear a face covering when in classrooms, homes, cabins, or similar indoor small-group settings.
- All children ages 2 and up wear face coverings when indoors.
These rules align with the existing rules on face coverings that already apply to preK-12 schools across Michigan.
If a child-care center is located in a region in Phase 5 of the MI Safe Start Plan, face coverings are not required, but are still strongly recommended. Furthermore, face coverings are not required for any child who cannot medically tolerate it, during meal time, while swimming, during high-intensity activities, outside while physically distanced, or if a child is under the age of 2.
Child-care centers and camps may use facilities that are otherwise closed under Executive Order 2020-160. Furthermore, child-care centers and camps must follow additional guidelines on infection control as determined by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
"Child-care workers have been on the front lines of this crisis and have worked tirelessly to provide a safe place for our children and families during this time. COVID-19 is still a very real threat to Michiganders of all ages, and we must continue to stay vigilant and use every tool at our disposal to protect ourselves and each other," said Whitmer. "I am committed to doing everything in my power to protect people of all ages from COVID-19. By masking up, we can all be a part of the solution to further prevent the spread of the virus and save lives."
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