MDHHS Emergency Order Adds Coronavirus Requirements For Schools

MICHIGAN — Michigan's leading health official has issued an emergency order concerning the coronavirus pandemic for the second-straight day.

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Director Robert Gordon Tuesday issued an order requiring K-12 schools to provide public notice to the school community about probable and confirmed cases of COVID-19 within 24 hours.

The order requires local health departments to notify schools within 24 hours of learning of a probable or confirmed school-associated case of COVID-19. Once notified, schools must provide public notification on a highly visible location on the school’s website that covers the impacted building or location within 24 hours.

“Recent outbreaks throughout the country demonstrate that COVID-19 can spread quickly in the school setting,” Gordon said in a news release. “Timely communication from schools to parents, guardians, students, teachers, staff and other persons affiliated with schools enables members of the school community to take measures to prevent spread of the virus.”

The order goes into effect on Monday.