You’re on your way out the door and pause: wait a minute, do you need a mask for that?
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has had some form of mask requirement in her executive orders since May, but has tightened the mask rules twice in the last two weeks, requiring them in public indoor and crowded outdoor spaces.
While you don’t need a mask to set foot outside your house, you may want to bring one -- activities ranging from stopping for coffee to running into the store now require them, with limited exceptions for things like children under 5 or people who are unable to medically tolerate wearing a mask.
Under the governor’s order, businesses that violate the mask order can have their licenses temporarily suspended by the state. Individuals who violate the mask order can be charged with a misdemeanor and fined up to $500, though they won’t face any jail time.
However, enforcement of the order is a patchwork across the state and some local police are declining to be “mask police.”
Here’s a quick guide to some common activities, and whether or not masks are required:
Grocery shopping - Masks required
Masks have long been required when you head into grocery stores and other retail establishments, from your local pet store to a local boutique.
New under the governor’s latest order, these businesses may not assume somebody entering without a mask falls under a medical exemption. New guidance from the Michigan Department of Civil Rights says businesses can offer alternatives like a face shield or curbside service for somebody not wearing a mask, and turn them away if they decline alternatives.
Dining out - Masks partially required
You can’t exactly enjoy a meal without access to your mouth, something the executive order accounts for. It specifically exempts people “eating or drinking while seated at a food service establishment” from needing to wear masks. However, you’ll need one as you enter the restaurant, and can take it off to eat or drink once seated at your table.
Public transportation - Masks required
The order makes masks a requirement for those riding public transportation or hiring private transportation, such as a taxi or private car service.
Outdoors - Masks partially required
The governor’s latest order requires people to wear a mask “When outdoors and unable to consistently maintain a distance of six feet or more from individuals who are not members of their household.”
Exercising - Not required
The order exempts people from the mask rules while exercising “when wearing a face covering would interfere with the activity.”
Gyms in the southern part of the Lower Peninsula remain closed under a different order from the governor.
Government offices - masks required
The governor’s office had clarified two weeks ago that government offices fell within the scope of indoor public places where masks were required. The governor incorporated that into her most recent order, specifically listing government offices in the requirements.
Voting - Not required
The latest version of the order exempts people who are “at a polling place for purposes of voting in an election” from complying with the mask order. However, a press release from the governor’s office last week noted peopel were strongly encouraged to wear masks in this setting.
Child care centers, camps - Not required
The order carves out child care centers and “day, residential, travel, or troop camps.” It defines these as not being “public spaces,” meaning people within them won’t be required to wear masks.
COVID-19 PREVENTION TIPS
In addition to washing hands regularly and not touching your face, officials recommend practicing social distancing, assuming anyone may be carrying the virus.
Health officials say you should be staying at least 6 feet away from others and working from home, if possible.
Use disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray cleaners on frequently-touched surfaces in your home (door handles, faucets, countertops) and carry hand sanitizer with you when you go into places like stores.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has also issued an executive order requiring people to wear face coverings over their mouth and nose while inside enclosed, public spaces.
Additional information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.
Related stories:
‘We are not the mask police,’ officers, state at odds over enforcing Michigan governor’s orders
Whitmer orders mask use in Michigan, violators could be fined up to $500
3 ways Michigan businesses can handle customers who refuse masks for medical reasons