Governor Gretchen Whitmer is extending the mask requirement to include children as young as two years old in some cases, after several coronavirus outbreaks linked to childcare centers and youth camps.
Gov. Whitmer says by requiring face coverings in her latest executive order, childcare centers and camps can remain open while keeping children and staff members safe.
“Childcare workers have been on the front lines of this crisis and have worked tirelessly to provide a safe place for our children and families during this time,” says Whitmer. “COVID-19 is still a very real threat to Michiganders of all ages, and we must continue to stay vigilant and use every tool at our disposal to protect ourselves and each other.”
Under the executive order, all staff and children ages two and up are required to wear a face covering on a school bus or other transportation.
Additionally, all staff and children ages four and up must wear a face covering in all indoor common spaces.
All staff and all children 12 and older are required to wear a face covering when in classrooms, homes, cabins, or similar indoor small group settings.
The rules are similar to current regulations on face coverings for pre-K-12 schools across Michigan.
Dr. Joneigh Khaldun is Michigan’s Chief Medical Executive. She encourages parents to show their young children how to wear masks.
“Be a role model for your children and demonstrate the importance of wearing a mask,” says Khaldun. “Have your child practice properly wearing a mask – over their nose, mouth and chin – while they are at home so they are comfortable with it in public.”
