Michigan Department of Health issuing mask advisory for holiday season

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is issuing a face mask advisory to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses this holiday season.

The health department will soon issue a Public Health Advisory that recommends mask-wearing at indoor gatherings for anyone over the age of two.

This applies to everyone regardless of vaccination status.

The advisory comes as COVID-19 and flu cases increase in Michigan.

“The increases in case counts, percent positivity and hospitalizations have us very concerned,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “We are issuing the face mask advisory and are looking to Michiganders to do their part to help protect their friends, their families and their communities by wearing a mask in indoor settings and getting vaccinated for COVID-19 and flu as soon as possible if they have not already done so.”

The CDC also released holiday gathering recommendations, including wearing masks, getting vaccinated, practicing social distancing, and washing hands to maintain safe gatherings.

Michiganders are asked to get vaccinated against COVID-19 to keep those around them safe and to relieve the burden on Michigan hospitals.

Residents can also get the flu vaccine at the same time as the COVID-19 vaccine.

Click here to find out where you can get the COVID-19 and flu vaccines.