The Public Health Advisory urging masks to be worn in all indoor public settings, including schools, has been withdrawn. The update occurred in response to the decline of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in Michigan. The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), has stated the COVID-19 cycle can be broken down into three key phases:

• • Response – Local and state public health implement rapid response to a surge. The public may be advised to increase masking, testing and social distancing.
  • Recovery – Post-surge. No immediate resurgence predicted. Local and state public health will monitor conditions that could lead to future surges.
  • Readiness – A surge in cases is expected, with implications on severity of illness and hospital capacity. Increased communication to the public regarding possible new risks.

Currently, decreases in cases and hospitalizations and increased access to vaccines, testing, and treatment indicate Michigan is entering a post-surge, recovery phase of the cycle. During this phase, DHHS recommends that all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, continue to practice universal masking in high-risk congregate settings including long-term care facilities, homeless shelters, correctional facilities, jails, and health care facilities. Additionally, all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, should wear a mask during isolation and quarantine periods to stop further community spread.

The department is advising school districts and organizations to consider local conditions and work with their local health department to determine mask policies for school districts, meetings, and large events.

Moving forward, DHHS will continue to monitor the transmission of COVID-19 to assess risk across the state and adjust as conditions change. These changes could include the presence of a new variant that increase the risk to the public, or an increased number of cases that strains the health care system.

To read the updated guidance from the department, please click here.

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