Gov. Whitmer signs executive order requiring masks at child-care centers and camps

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DETROIT (FOX 2) - Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has signed a new executive order that requires face coverings to be worn in all child-care centers and camps.

The order also addresses mask-wearing on school busses and in classrooms.

Executive Order 2020-164 requires all staff and children ages 2 and up to wear a face covering on a school bus or other transportation. Additionally, all staff and children ages 4 and up must wear a face covering in all indoor common spaces.

Evidence shows masks may help avoid severe illness, even if you get COVID-19

Researchers and scientists are now learning that not only does wearing a mask reduce viral transmission, but it may also help you avoid major illness, even if you end up contracting the novel coronavirus.

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 governor also strongly encourages that all children ages 2 and up wear face coverings when indoors.

These rules align with the existing rules on face coverings that already apply to pre K-12 schools across Michigan.

If a child-care center is located in a region in Phase 5 of the MI Safe Start Plan, face coverings are not required but are still strongly recommended.

Furthermore, face coverings are not required for any child who cannot medically tolerate it, during meal time, while swimming, during high-intensity activities, outside while physically distanced, or if a child is under the age of 2.

Gov. Whitmer says Michigan has seen COVID-19 outbreaks at these locations, adding to the mounting evidence that children can contract and spread the virus.

By requiring face coverings, child-care centers and camps can remain open while keeping children and staff members safe.

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