LANSING, Mich. (WXYZ) — Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive order protecting workers who stay home when they or their close contacts are sick.
All employers are prohibited from discharging, disciplining or otherwise retaliating against an employee for staying home from work if they or one of their close contacts tests positive for COVID-19 or has symptoms.
The order takes effect immediately and will remain in place until the end of the governor's declared emergency.
“People who are prioritizing the health and safety of their families, neighbors and loved ones during this crisis should not be punished by their workplace," Whitmer said.
"Staying home and staying safe is one of the most important things we can do to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in Michigan, and this executive order will ensure more people can do so without facing discrimination from their workplace.
“We have taken aggressive measures to protect our communities, but it’s on all of us to work together to fight this virus.”
Health care professionals, workers at a health care facility, first responders (e.g., police officers, fire fighters, paramedics), child protective service employees, workers at child caring institutions and correctional officers are exempt from staying at home if a member of their household tests positive for COVID-19 or displays one or more of the principal symptoms - provided that their employers’ rules governing occupational health allow them to go to work.