New Whitmer Order Requires Masks At Child Care Centers, Camps

MICHIGAN — Face coverings must be worn in all Michigan child care centers and camps, according to an executive order signed by Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer Thursday.

Michigan has seen outbreaks of the new coronavirus at child care centers and camps, Whitmer's office said, 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, Whitmer said.

“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," Whitmer said in a statement. "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.

“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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Executive Order 2020-164 requires all staff and children older than 2 years old to wear a face covering on a school bus or other transportation. All staff and children, 4 and older, must wear a face coverings in all indoor common spaces, according to the order. 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.

The governor also strongly encouraged that children 2 and older wear face coverings when indoors. She said the rules align with the existing rules on face coverings that already apply to pre K-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. 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, according to the order.

“Masks continue to be one of the best ways to contain the spread of COVID-19, and they can be safely worn by most of us over the age of two,” Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and MDHHS chief deputy for health, said in a statement. “Be a role model for your children and demonstrate the importance of wearing a mask. Have your child practice properly wearing a mask – over their nose, mouth and chin – while they are at home so they are comfortable with it in public. It will take all of us, of all ages, doing our part to continue slowing the spread of this disease and to protect our families and communities.”

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