Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s executive order signed Friday requiring the use of face masks in indoor facilities and some outdoor public spaces includes a fine of $500 for anyone who violates the directive.
Whitmer signed the order following an uptick in COVID-19 cases – Michigan reported 612 confirmed cases on Friday, the largest daily increase since May 20. The state also reported 15 new coronavirus deaths.
“The heroes on the front lines of this crisis have gone hours without taking their masks off every day – doctors, nurses, child care workers, grocery store workers. We owe it to them to wear our masks when we’re on a trip to the grocery store or pharmacy,” Whitmer said in a press release announcing the change.
“Masks can reduce the chance of spreading COVID-19 by about 70 percent. By wearing masks, we can save lives and protect our family, friends, and neighbors from the spread of COVID-19. And by wearing masks now, we can put our state in a stronger position so our kids can return to school safely in the fall. For the sake of your loved ones, let’s all mask up, Michigan.”
More than 20 U.S. states now require the use of face masks in public as the rate of new cases surged to record heights in part of the country. More than 3 million people have been infected with COVID-19 in the U.S.
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