Public gatherings reduced to 50 people or less from new Whitmer executive order

(FOX 2) - Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed and Executive Order to prohibit all events over 50 people or assemblages in shared indoor spaces over 50 people beginning Tuesday, March 17 at 9 a.m.  
 
Executive Order 2020-11 changes the temporary restrictions imposed on events and assemblages by Executive Order 2020-5, to correspond with the most recent guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. When the new restrictions go into effect, Executive Order 2020-5 will be rescinded. This order does not change the scope of restrictions imposed by Executive Order 2020-5 as to the closure of elementary school buildings and secondary school buildings. 

| RELATED: One new case of coronavirus confirmed in Macomb County, Michigan total up to 54
 
The new restrictions on events and assemblages go into effect on March 17, 2020 at 9:00am, and will remain in place, like the school closure restrictions, until April 5, 2020 at 5:00pm.  
 
This order provides an exception from its prohibition on assemblages for health care facilities, workplaces not open to the public, the state legislature, mass transit, the purchase of groceries or consumer goods, and the performance of agricultural or construction work.  
 
“My number one priority remains to protect the most people we can from the spread of coronavirus,” said Governor Whitmer. “We are all better off when all of us are healthy, and that’s especially true for the most vulnerable. These aggressive actions are aimed at saving lives. My administration will continue to do everything we can to mitigate the spread of the disease and ensure our children, families, and businesses have the support they need during these challenging times. We are going to pull through this together, just as Michigan has done in the past.” 
 
“The purpose of the Executive Order, and taking actions like these, is to limit close contact between individuals because of the specific way the virus spreads through respiratory droplets,” said MDHHS Chief Deputy for Health and Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun. “These are very difficult decisions, but I believe together we can work to make the necessary adjustments to contain the pandemic and support one another.” 
 
Patients with confirmed infection have reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of:  

•    Fever    
•    Cough    
•    Shortness of breath   

The best prevention for viruses, such as influenza, the common cold or COVID-19 is to:  

•    If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19, call your health care provider. If you do not have a health care provider, call the nearest hospital.    
•    Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. If not available, use hand sanitizer.      
•    Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.      
•    Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or upper sleeve when coughing or sneezing.      
•    Avoid contact with people who are sick.      
•    If you are sick, stay home, and avoid contact with others.    
•    Stay at least 6 feet away from others when in a public setting.    
 
Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.  

RELATED: Is it the flu, a cold or COVID-19? Different viruses present similar symptoms

Right now there's one big difference between flu and coronavirus: A vaccine exists to help prevent the flu and it's not too late to get it. It won't protect you from catching the coronavirus but may put you in a better position to fight it.

To protect yourself, wash your hands well and often, keep them away from your face, and avoid crowds and standing close to people.

And if you do find yourself showing any of these flu or coronavirus symptoms - don't go straight to your doctor's office. That just risks making more people sick, officials urge. Call ahead, and ask if you need to be seen and where.

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