Health Orders

Michigan state law provides local health officers and the state health director with the authority to issue orders to protect the public health under Section 2453 of the Public Health Code (MCL 333.2453). Any violations are subject to citations and penalties as outlined in the Michigan Public Health Code. See our fact sheet about understanding health orders here. 

Emergency public health orders help us prevent and control epidemics, like COVID-19, in Washtenaw County. 

Violating health orders is a misdemeanor - however, the goal of a local order is to encourage compliance for the sake of everyone's safety, not to penalize people. Violations to state and local orders can be reported to local law enforcement. Responses may vary according to the urgency of any given situation and the availability of law enforcement. First steps will always include education and engagement rather than penalties. 

Violations are subject to citations and penalties as outlined in the Michigan Public Health Code. The Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners has passed a resolution detailing the schedule of monetary penalties for violations of local orders.

Health Department staff are also available to answer non-urgent questions or to provide guidance. Leave a message at 734-544-6700 or email [email protected].

State Orders

View Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Epidemic Orders. Questions about state orders can be directed to [email protected]. 

View Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) workplace safety guidance and MIOSHA Emergency Orders. 

State of Michigan laws pertaining to COVID-19: PA 236 of 2020, PA 237 of 2020, PA 238 of 2020 & PA 339 of 2020

Washtenaw Public Health Emergency Orders in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic (8/19/20-present)

Emergency Order Date Status
Isolation and Quarantine Order in Educational Settings 9/2/21, 
updated 1/6/22, rescinded 2/28/22
 No longer active
Wearing of Masks in Educational Settings Within Washtenaw County

Summary of scientific literature on the effectiveness of face masks to prevent SARS-CoV-2 transmission available here		 9/2/21
updated 10/29/21, rescinded 2/28/22
 No longer active
Quarantine Order for K-12 Students That Have Close Contact With A Positive Case 5/13/21 No longer active
Additional Limits on Social Gatherings and Organized Events Occurring Under MDHHS Emergency Order - Gathering Prohibition and Mask Order - Within the Cities of Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti 10/7/20, rescinded 3/4/21 No longer active
Stay in Place Order for University of Michigan Students 10/20/20, updated 10/23/20, expired 11/2/20 No longer active

Required Facial Coverings 

 10/5/20 No longer active
Gatherings and Events 10/5/20 No longer active
Capacity Limits and Other Requirements for Food Service Establishments 10/5/20 No longer active
Employee Screening for the Workplace 10/5/20 No longer active
Additional Limits on Social Gatherings and Organized Events Occurring Under Applicable Executive Orders Within the Cities of Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti 8/19/20, updated 10/2/20 No longer active