Detroit Regional Chamber > Business Resources > COVID-19 > Governor: Businesses Not to Assume Those Without Masks Have Medical Conditions

Governor: Businesses Not to Assume Those Without Masks Have Medical Conditions

July 17, 2020
Businesses may not assume that a customer without a mask cannot medically tolerate a face covering. The business can, however, accept the customer’s explanation if offered, according to a new executive order from the Governor today.

The executive order, which clarifies the Governor’s original executive order on masks, also requires public safety officers to wear a face covering unless doing so would seriously interfere in the performance of their responsibilities. The order also stated that a mask is not required at polling places for the purpose of voting in an election, but is strongly encouraged.

Over the past two weeks, every region in Michigan has seen an uptick in new cases, and daily case counts now exceed 20 cases per million in all but one region in the state, according to the Governor’s office. Studies have shown that wearing a mask can save lives and significantly lower an individual’s chance of spreading COVID-19.

The Chamber recently launched its “Keep Businesses Open #MaskUpMichigan campaign” in an effort to increase the usage of masks or face coverings and mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and keep businesses open.

Exceptions to the Governor’s Executive Order

Although a face covering is strongly encouraged even for people who are not required to wear one, the requirement to wear a face covering does not apply to individuals who, among other things:

  • Are younger than five years old;
  • Cannot medically tolerate a face covering;
  • Are eating or drinking while seated at a food service establishment;
  • Are exercising when wearing a face covering would interfere in the activity; or
  • Are at a polling place for purposes of voting in an election.

To view Executive Order 2020-153, click here.

Michigan’s COVID-19 Status and Reopening Phases by Region