Ramping up the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Effective today, under an executive order from Governor Whitmer, the wearing of a mask is now required in crowded outdoor spaces. Her order also says any businesses open to the public must refuse service to anyone coming in without a mask on. The only exceptions would be children under the age of five and people who cannot tolerate facial coverings. The governor says wearing a mask can reduce the chance of spreading the corona virus by about 70 percent, but concerns have been raised by the Michigan Retailers Association. It says it puts retail employees in a possibly dangerous situation when they are forced to confront an unmasked customer. It also asked how an employee would know whether someone not wearing a mask had a medical condition and that it amounts to businesses being penalized at a time when they are just trying to get by during the pandemic.
The latest report from the state health department says there were 390 new cases and one death. This was down from the 653 cases announced on Saturday. At the same time, the 3,415 new cases reported last week were the highest seven-day total in the past six weeks.
