Now that Michigan’s business community has been instructed that they must refuse entry or service to those who fail to comply with the face mask mandate of Gov. Whitmer, the state’s Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity is at least helping them to understand what is expected of them and is providing a toolkit to help everyone stay safe.
Saying it is to further protect workers and the community, Gov. Whitmer’s Executive Order 2020-147 reiterates that businesses who are open to the public must refuse entry and service to individuals who fail to comply with wearing a face covering. The Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) stands at the ready to provide the tools necessary for business to protect their workers and remain safely open.
Under the governor’s order, businesses must post signs at all entrances instructing customers of their legal obligation to wear a face covering while inside – to assist employers with that requirement, a print-ready poster that businesses may use is available online. LEO and the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) have a set of online resources at the link below that provides guidelines, posters for employees and customers, factsheets, educational videos and a reopening checklist to keep workplaces safe. Here is a direct link to that info: http://Michigan.gov/COVIDWorkplaceSafety
LEO Director Jeff Donofrio says, “By requiring everyone in their establishment to mask up, Michigan businesses can help keep their employees, workplaces and customers safe,” and adds, “Employers who violate the Governor’s Executive Orders, CDC guidance and OSHA Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19 create additional hazards for workers and put the public at risk. We all must do our part to prevent the spread of this virus.”
Studies have shown that wearing a mask can save lives and significantly lower an individual’s chance of spreading COVID-19. A study on different regions in Germany, for example, suggests that the adoption of mandatory mask ordinances decreased the daily growth rate of COVID-19 infections by 40. Modeling from the University of Washington similarly indicates that more than 40,000 lives would be spared nationwide if 95-percent of the population wore a mask while in public. Furthermore, a study conducted by Goldman Sachs concluded that a federal mask mandate could save the U.S. economy from taking a 5-percent hit to the GDP.
COVID-19 Workplace Safety Director Sean Egan says, “We will remain vigilant to equip employers and their staff with proper guidance and tools needed to keep Michigan workplaces safe,” and notes, “Our priority is protecting workers and this Executive Order allows us to do that effectively.”
Best practices that employees should follow to proactively protect themselves from exposure to the coronavirus include:
- Washing hands regularly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water,
- Limiting contact with others by remaining six feet apart,
- Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces and tools routinely,
- Staying home if you or someone in your household is sick,
- Avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth, and
- Practicing self-screenings to check for any abnormal/new symptoms.
Anyone with questions regarding workplace safety and health may contact MIOSHA using the new hotline at 855-SAFE-C19 (855-723-3219).
Learn more about protecting the public and protecting workers at this link:
