Masks mandatory in Michigan starting Monday

People living in Michigan will be required to wear a face covering in indoor public spaces and crowded outdoor spaces beginning Monday.

The executive order signed by Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer Friday will also require businesses to refuse entry or service to people who refuse to wear a face covering. 

“The heroes on the front-lines of this crisis have gone hours without taking their masks off every day – doctors, nurses, child care workers, grocery store workers. We owe it to them to wear our masks when we’re on a trip to the grocery store or pharmacy,” said Whitmer via press release Friday. “Masks can reduce the chance of spreading COVID-19 by about 70 per cent. By wearing masks, we can save lives and protect our family, friends, and neighbors from the spread of COVID-19. And by wearing masks now, we can put our state in a stronger position so our kids can return to school safely in the fall. For the sake of your loved ones, let’s all mask up, Michigan.”

People younger than five years old, or those cannot 'medically tolerate' masks will be exempted from wearing a face covering in Michigan. People who are eating or drinking while seated at a food service establishment will also be exempt from the executive order. 

A violation of the state-wide executive order will be subject to a $500 fine. 

According Saturday's data from the Michigan government, the state has had 68,295 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 6,039 confirmed deaths attributed to the virus to date.