Whitmer signs order requiring businesses to deny entry to people not wearing a face mask

LANSING, Mich.—Governor Gretchen Whitmer on Friday signed an Executive Order meant to reiterate the mandatory face mask ordinance following a recent uptick in COVID-19 cases throughout the state.

Executive Order 2020-147 reiterates that individuals in the state of Michigan are required to wear a face covering whenever they are in an indoor public space.

The order signed July 10 also requires that businesses that are open to the public to refuse entry or service to people who refuse to wear a face covering.

The requirement for businesses regarding face masks goes into effect on July 13 at 12:01 a.m.

According to Whitmer's office, "a willful violation of the order is a misdemeanor and is subject to a $500 criminal penalty but no term of a confinement may be imposed on individuals who violate the mask requirement."

The order also requires people to wear a face covering in crowded outdoor spaces and when waiting for or riding on public transportation, including in a taxi or ride-sharing vehicle.

According to the Executive Order, the requirement does not apply to individuals who:

  • Are under the age of 5
  • Cannot medically tolerate a face covering
  • Are eating or drinking while seated at a food service establishment
  • Are exercising when wearing a face covering would interfere with the activity
  • Are receiving a service for which temporary removal of the face covering is necessary
  • Are entering a business or receiving a service and are asked to temporarily remove a face covering for identification purposes
  • Are communicating with someone who is hearing impaired or otherwise disabled and where the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication
  • Are actively engaged in a public safety role including but not limited to law enforcement, firefighters, or emergency medical personnel
  • Are officiating a religious service
  • Are giving a speech for broadcast or an audience


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