Capitol News

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has officially ordered that citizens caught without masks under certain circumstances will face a misdemeanor charge and maximum $500 fine.

Whitmer signed the executive order last week requiring masks in indoor public spaces and crowded outdoor spaces following a noticeable spike in COVID-19 cases across Michigan.

In the order, Whitmer ordered that businesses that are open to the public have the right to refuse entry or service to anyone who isn't wearing a face covering for failing to comply with the mandate. It also orders businesses to post signs at their entrances to inform the public of the legal obligation to wear a mask while inside the business. 

The law went into effect on July 13.

There are a few exemptions to the order, including children under the age of 5, as well as those nable to medically tolerate masks. The order also notes that when people are eating and drinking while seated at a restaurant or other food establishment, they are not required to wear masks.

“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," Whitmer said. "We owe it to them to wear our masks when we’re on a trip to the grocery store or pharmacy.”

Whitmer said that masks have the ability to reduce the spread of the coronavirus by about 70 percent.

"By wearing masks, we can save lives and protect our family, friends, and neighbors from the spread of COVID-19," Whitmer said." 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."