Michigan’s grocery store face mask requirement extended until July 15

Grocery store workers during coronavirus pandemic

Customers shop at the Polly's Country Market on Parnall Road in Blackman Township on Wednesday, April 1, 2020. J. Scott Park | MLive.com

LANSING, MI -- Michigan residents must continue wearing protective face masks while shopping until at least July 15, according to a new executive order issued by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Wednesday, June 17.

“Any individual who enters a food-selling establishment or pharmacy who is able to medically tolerate a face covering must wear a covering over his or her nose and mouth, such as a homemade mask, scarf, bandana, or handkerchief,” executive order 2020-126 says. It replaces a prior similar order that was set to expire on June 12.

The newest order defines a “food-selling establishment” as: “grocery stores, convenience stores, restaurants that sell groceries or food available for takeout, and any other business that sells food.”

The order, meant to slow the spread of the coronavirus while protecting employees and the public, also bans buffets or food sample handouts; requires stores to establish two hours per week dedicated solely to vulnerable shoppers, such as the elderly, pregnant or chronically ill; loosens some licensing and fee requirements for businesses and mandates companies notify vendors and all workers if any employee tests positive for COVID-19.

Since mid-April, Michigan residents have been required to wear a face covering in public enclosed spaces, and stores can refuse service to anyone not wearing a mask, under an executive order issued by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. However, there is no penalty for violating the mask policy.

“Michigan has emerged as a national leader in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, but there is more work to do to protect families from this virus,” Whitmer said. “This executive order will help us continue to protect employees and customers at grocery stores and pharmacies.

“I encourage all Michiganders to practice social distancing and wear a face mask when they are out in public so we can protect the heroes on the front lines of this crisis and avoid a second wave of COVID-19.”

MLive conducted an informal, unscientific survey of mask-wearers in 37 stores across Michigan about a week ago and found that nearly 70% of shoppers were in compliance with the rule.

Are shoppers wearing masks? We went to 37 stores across Michigan to find out.

“I’m a huge believer in universal masking,” Dr. Joel Fishbain, an infectious specialist for Beaumont Health in metro Detroit, told MLive. “I know there’s a lot of debate. I know there’s lots of resistance.

“But the idea of the mask should be just changed to being a good steward of the human race,” he said. “I don’t think it should be that big of a deal.”

Shopper opinions on the rule varied greatly but most said they’ve noticed a decline in the prevalence of people wearing masks.

“I would rather protect others and have them know that I’m not spreading it to them,” 56-year-old Nadine Frisch said while removing her mask and applying hand sanitizer after shopping at Kroger in Saginaw Township on June 9. “It’s more (about) people’s perception that you’re paying attention to what’s going on and you care about somebody else so you wear it to protect them.”

Another shopper leaving the same store said she was “totally against” the mask requirement and refused to shop at any store that mandates them.

“I don’t wear it, ever,” said Jackie Welsh, 62, of St. Charles. " ... To me it’s a big farce ... Once in a while I’ve kind of had people back off and shy away from me, and I thought, hey, that’s your prerogative.

“I don’t have any problem. If you do, then I guess you’re the one that needs to get away from me.”

Michigan’s daily average of new coronavirus cases has dropped 50% since June 1, one of the sharpest drops in the country. The state ranks 40th in the reproductive rate of COVID-19 spread and a national website tracking the pandemic lists Michigan as one of only three states “on track” to contain coronavirus.

Full executive order:

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.

Read more on MLive:

Mask rule places retailers in ‘no-win’ situation

Who’s wearing masks, results from 37 Michigan stores

Michigan reports 125 new coronavirus cases, 18 deaths

Coronavirus in Michigan: Maps, charts and the latest reports

Whitmer to extend Michigan’s state of emergency

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