Whitmer strengthens stay-at-home order, protects employees working at home
LANSING, Mich. — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer strengthened her stay-at-home order Friday by providing protections for Michiganders who stay away from work due to symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019.
Executive Order 2020-36, signed Friday, April 3, 2020, prohibits employers from disciplining employees for staying home if they or one of their close contacts tests positive for COVID-19 or has symptoms of the disease.
The order also further defines who should place themselves under a 14-day quarantine, and when: Anyone who has been in close contact with an infected individual, or who has shown symptoms, must stay inside for 14 days or until receiving a negative test result.
“People who are prioritizing the health and safety of their families, neighbors, and loved ones during this crisis should not be punished by their workplace," Whitmer said. "Staying home and staying safe is one of the most important things we can do to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in Michigan, and this executive order will ensure more people can do so without facing discrimination from their workplace. We have taken aggressive measures to protect our communities, but it’s on all of us to work together to fight this virus.”
The order states that those who test positive for COVID-19 or show symptoms, or those who live with someone who tests positive or shows symptoms, must stay at home unless absolutely necessary, such as to pick up food, medicine, or other needed supplies. Those with symptoms who must leave their homes are required to wear some form of covering over their nose and mouth, such as a homemade mask, scarf, bandanna, or handkerchief.
Whitmer said those who are exempt from staying at home if a member of their house tests positive for COVID-19 or displays symptoms include health-care professionals, workers at a health-care facility, first responders, such as police officers, fire fighters, and paramedics, child protective service employees, workers at child caring institutions and correctional officers.
Whitmer said N95 masks and surgical masks should generally be reserved for health-care professionals, first responders, and other critical workers.
Executive Order 2020-36 took effect immediately and will remain in place until the end of the governor’s declared emergency or until otherwise rescinded.
People may still engage in outdoor activities, including walking, hiking, running, cycling, or any other recreational activity consistent while remaining at least six feet from people who are outside the individual’s household.
