On Friday, Governor Whitmer signed two new Executive Orders, both of which have implications for schools. EO 2020-183 amends the MI Safe Start order regarding non-residential gatherings and opening more businesses while EO 2020-185 imposes a new requirement that students in grades K-5 wear facial coverings as well as some additional reporting.

Here are the details.

Executive Order 2020-183

  • Takes effect on Friday, October 9, 2020 except the provision reopening some previously closed businesses.
  • Instead of being limited to 10 people, non-residential indoor gatherings and events now must limit attendance to 20 people per 1,000 square feet or 20 percent of fixed seating capacity, with a maximum of 500 people in Michigan’s largest venues. Non-residential indoor venues must require a face covering.
  • Instead of being limited to 100 people, non-residential outdoor gatherings and events now must limit attendance to 30 people per 1,000 square feet or 30 percent of fixed seating capacity, with a maximum of 1,000 people.
  • Regions 6 and 8 are subject to the same rules covered in the revised MI Safe Start order, except non-residential indoor venues may allow up to 25 people per 1,000 square feet or 25 percent of fixed seating capacity, with a maximum of 500 people in the regions’ largest venues.
  • The limitations on spectators at organized sports has also been updated. Live audiences are now limited to the guests of the athletes with each athlete designating up to two guests OR the gathering limits outlined above with the choice being left up to the sports organizer.
  • Beginning October 9, a number of previously closed businesses are slated to reopen statewide, including indoor theaters, cinemas, performance venues, arcades, bingo halls, bowling centers, indoor climbing facilities, and trampoline parks, among others.

Executive Order 2020-185

  • Takes effect beginning October 5, 2020.
  • Requires all students in grades kindergarten and up in regions 1-5 and 7 to wear a face covering in classrooms. Prior orders had recommended, but not required, a face covering for grades kindergarten through five. 
  • Requires all schools to "publish information about any cases of a probable or confirmed COVID-19 positive individual present on school property or at a school function during the period of infection." The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services will create guidance on how to publish the information and release that to all districts.