For Immediate Release
Contact: Susan Ringler Cerniglia, Public Information Officer
Washtenaw County Health Department
[email protected]
734-678-7010
Washtenaw County Health Department Updates Orders to Protect Workers during COVID-19
Service providers, businesses, other entities must to use employee screening to operate
YPSILANTI, Mich., April 30, 2020 – Washtenaw County Health Department is issuing updated emergency orders requiring service providers, operators, and businesses, including childcare centers, to use recommended screening to protect everyone’s health to the greatest degree possible. Local orders are now focused on screening. Social distancing, cloth face coverings, and other protective actions are now broadly required under Michigan Executive Order 2020-59. Screening and safety measures for food-selling establishments and pharmacies are now covered in state orders, see Michigan Executive Order 2020-60.
The updated local order addresses employee screening requirements at service provides, business, other operators, and childcare centers not included in Executive Order 2020-60. It also applies to any entities that resume operations before May 15. The local order is in effect starting May 1, 2020 at 12:00 a.m. and will remain in effect through May 15, 2020.
The state orders now require everyone to wear homemade face coverings in enclosed public spaces. Exceptions include anyone who cannot medically tolerate a face covering and children under 2 years of age.
For those entities now operating or others that may resume operations, the Washtenaw County orders must be posted at facility entrances. The Health Department is working to provide updated guidance and support as quickly as possible. Direct additional and urgent questions to 734-544-6700 or [email protected].
“We know it is difficult to continue staying home for many reasons, and many of us cannot stay home. But social distancing is working,” says Jimena Loveluck, MSW, Washtenaw County Health Officer. “We are slowing the spread of illness. But we continue to see new cases of COVID-19 every day in Washtenaw County, and we must be cautious moving forward.”
Please continue to rely on official sources of information for local (www.washtenaw.org/covid19), state (www.michigan.gov/coronavirus), and national (http://www.cdc.gov/COVID19) updates.
REMEMBER: Discrimination harms public health. We know viruses do not discriminate based on location, race, ethnicity, or national origin. However, viruses like COVID-19 can highlight health disparities that are deeply rooted in our society. Let’s fight this public health concern with compassion and science, not fear and discrimination.
Resources on Cloth Face Coverings
Resources from Washtenaw County Health Department
Washtenaw County Health Department
The Washtenaw County Health Department promotes health and works to prevent disease and injury in our community. Our mission is to assure, in partnership with the community, the conditions necessary for people to live healthy lives through prevention and protection programs.
The Washtenaw County Health Department has achieved national accreditation through the Public Health Accreditation Board and maintains state accreditation though the Michigan
Department of Health and Human Services. Visit us at washtenaw.org/health or call 734-544-6700.
###