More Businesses in Michigan Requiring Face Coverings to Fight Covid

Back on July 10th Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive order which reiterates that individuals must wear a face covering whenever they are in an indoor public space. It also requires any business that is open to the public to refuse entry or service to people who refuse to wear a face covering, with limited exceptions. 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.

Michigan is testing the most people for coronavirus ever this week, but the rate of positive tests also is increasing. Research confirms that a big part of the reason is spotty compliance with the governor’s requirement, issued in prior orders, that individuals wear face coverings in public spaces. Studies have shown that wearing a mask can save lives and significantly lower an individual’s chance of spreading COVID-19. There has been a lot of push back on wearing masks, and some businesses have been hesitant to enforce the face covering rule.

With cases rising again, many places like Kroger, Walmart, East Lansing Farmers Market, Best Buy, Costco, and others are now requiring a face covering to enter. And a fine of up to $500 can be imposed for disregarding the order. ABC 12 reports :

"Listen, we’ve never anticipated that a lot of people are going to get arrested and pay fines and this is not about being punitive. This is about recognizing this is a duty that each of us should undertake,” Governor Whitmer said. “We have laws we have rules no shoes no shirt no service now it’s just no shoes no shirt no mask no service."

Whitmer believes Michigan is at a turning point in the battle against coronavirus and the fate of the upcoming school year hangs in the balance. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported a two-month high of daily coronavirus cases on Wednesday.