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.
- The current MIOSHA rules only apply to specific healthcare settings. See the Summary of OSHA COVID-19 Healthcare Rules.
- For all other businesses/industries, see the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA): Recommendations for non-healthcare workplaces
State of Michigan laws pertaining to COVID-19 (**rescinded and no longer in effect**): PA 236 of 2020, PA 237 of 2020, PA 238 of 2020 & PA 339 of 2020