Lansing, MI — On April 16th, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services extended the Epidemic Order already in place until May 24th, and a new requirement for masking children ages 2-4 while in childcare takes effect on April 26, 2021.
The order cited an increase in COVID-19 cases of nearly 400% in youth aged 10-19. According to the order, “as of April 8, local health departments had reported 312 new and ongoing outbreaks among K-12 schools, with 48 of those outbreaks reported in the week prior. Additionally, there are 329 identified clusters among minors participating in school and club sports since January 2021.”
In response to the increase of cases among young people, MDHHS has included in the order a mask mandate for children aged 2- 4 who are in childcare settings. The order reads, “A person responsible for a child care organization or camp, or an agent of such person, must not allow gatherings unless:
- Face masks are worn by all staff;
- A good faith effort is made to ensure that children aged 2 to 4 years wear a mask when participating in gatherings;
- All children 5 years and older wear a mask when participating in gatherings.”
The full order is available <HERE>.
Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand
