On July 10, 2020, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive order 2020-147, which requires state residents to wear a face mask in indoor public spaces and crowded outdoor spaces. Furthermore, essential businesses must deny entry or service to individuals who do not comply with the new rule, with limited exceptions.
Violating the face mask rule is a misdemeanor offense, punishable by a maximum fine of $500. Criminal penalties do not include a jail sentence.
Individuals who are exempt from wearing a face covering in Michigan businesses include minors younger than five (5) years of age, while eating or drinking in a restaurant space, and those who have a valid medical excuse not to wear one. Additionally, removing a mask while engaging in a religious act in a place of worship is not a violation of the face mask rule.
The signing of the executive is in response to the increasing COVID-19 cases in Michigan and throughout the nation, according to the governor’s office. In the week leading up the new rule, there has been a spike in new cases in every region. In the Lansing, Detroit, and Grand Rapids areas, daily case counts now surpass 20 cases per million.
If you have been charged with a misdemeanor for violating the Michigan face mask rule in Lansing, contact Brandon Gardner & Associates, PLC today at 616-366-9045 and schedule a free consultation.