March 26, 2020 – Following the issuance of “Stay Home, Stay Safe” Executive Order 2020-21 by Governor Gretchen Whitmer on Monday, March 23, local government organizations in Midland County encourage the community’s residents and businesses to learn more about how the order will impact their lives and businesses operations in the coming weeks.
For Businesses
Under the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” Executive Order 2020-21, all Michigan businesses and operations that are not necessary to sustain or protect life, also known as “critical infrastructure”, must temporarily suspend in-person operations until at least April 13, 2020. In addition, the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order permits businesses and organizations to designate certain employees “essential” to their operations so that they can report to work to perform certain important activities such as payroll, information technology, facilities maintenance, and sanitation.
As a general guideline, businesses and organizations should consider the following resources to determine if their work is considered “critical infrastructure”:
Community members are directed not to call 911 to report complaints or concerns related to the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” executive order. If you observe a business or establishment operating in a manner that may violate this executive order, please contact the following organizations:
- In the City limits: City Attorney’s Office, via voicemail at 989-837-3395 or email cityhall@midland-mi.org
- Other municipalities or townships in Midland County: Midland County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, via voicemail at (989) 832-6722 or email info@co.midland.mi.us
These inboxes will be regularly monitored and all complaints will be investigated by the appropriate agency.
For Residents
Under the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” executive order, Michigan residents are required to stay in their homes or places of residence through Monday, April 13, 2020 except in a limited number of circumstances. These circumstances include outdoor exercise such as walking, biking, or running; performing life-sustaining activities such as seeking medical care or going to the grocery store; filling a vehicle with gas; or going to work as a designated “critical infrastructure worker” of an organization that qualifies as “critical infrastructure”. Individuals should still maintain at least 6 feet of space between each other and practice all social distancing and hygiene guideline as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) while performing these activities. Public and private gatherings of all sizes with persons other than those who reside in the same household are prohibited.
A sample list of activities allowed and prohibited under Executive Order 2020-21 can be found here. As stated above, residents are directed not to call 911 to report complaints or concerns related to this executive order.
The Midland County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) continues to encourage residents to take precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 including the following:
- Continue to practice social distancing as recommended by federal, state and local officials
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash
- Disinfect commonly touched surfaces
- Stay home when you are sick
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
Midland County Emergency Management, County of Midland government, and the City of Midland continue to monitor public health information regarding COVID-19 and will reassess and alter their responses as needed in accordance with state and federal directives.
A summary of Executive Order 2020-21 that provides additional details for businesses and residents can be found here. Consistent with MCL 10.33 and MCL 30.405(3), a willful violation of this order is a misdemeanor punishable by a $500 fine and/or up to 90 days in jail.
For the latest updates and information, frequently asked questions, and executive orders related to the statewide response to COVID-19, please visit www.michigan.gov/coronavirus. For information on closures and service changes related to local government, please visit www.cityofmidlandmi.gov/coronavirus (City of Midland) and http://co.midland.mi.us/coronavirus (County of Midland).
