Detroit Joins Michigan Communities Issuing Coronavirus Orders

DETROIT, MI — Detroit has joined a growing list of municipalities issuing local emergency orders related to the coronavirus due to uncertainty surrounding statewide orders previously issued by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and state health officials.

On Friday, Detroit Public Health Officer Denise Fair issued a new COVID-19 public health order reinstating several aspects of emergency rulings previously issued by Whitmer.

“We have been in full support of the Governor’s orders and the steps she has taken to keep all Michiganders safe,” Duggan said. “With the legal uncertainty in Lansing, we wanted clear guidelines for Detroiters based on clear legal grounds. Whether you’re going to the store, work or school, a restaurant or larger gathering, the Detroit Health Department order provides certainty and provides continuity with the Governor’s orders."

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The order, which took effect immediately, requires face coverings at indoor and outdoor gatherings. When that isn't possible, social distancing of at least 6 feet must be maintained, the city said.

DDOT is required to enforce a clear directive for passengers: No mask? No ride.

Bars, restaurants and casinos are all under capacity limitations, with social distancing and mask requirements as well.

Fair said the order will remain in effect until she certifies that the pandemic has sufficiently abated.

Last week, Oakland County issued a countywide health order that followed many of the guidelines implemented in Detroit and that had been previously outlines by Whitmer's emergency orders.

The county rescinded that order, however, when the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services issued its own statewide order requiring masks in public places.

Wayne County also issued an order related to the coronavirus, which county executive Warren Evans said is intended to clarify the rules and regulations county residents and businesses must follow.

“We are keeping the COVID-19 rules and regulations in place from before the Michigan
Supreme Court ruled on the governor’s authority to issue them,” Evans said. “Wayne
County’s order is simple: keep wearing masks in public; no group events larger than 10 people or
20 percent attendance per 1,000 square-feet of space; and, employers must still provide health
screenings for employees working in public areas or with the public. These are the rules we are
accustomed to and they are the rules we are going to follow until there is clearer direction from
the state.”