BARRY COUNTY AND EATON COUNTY, Mich. — The Barry-Eaton District Health Department is responding to the Michigan Supreme Court’s decision on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's executive orders.
On Friday, the court ruled that, "The executive orders issued by the governor in response to the COVID-19 pandemic lack any basis under Michigan law."
The Barry-Eaton District Health Department said today that the court’s ruling does not affect the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services orders. Those orders require organizations to have many of the same health and safety protocols in place as required by the governor's executive orders.
The Barry-Eaton District Health Department “urges patience and continuity of mitigation strategies as local health departments work to understand the impact of the Supreme Court ruling.”
Mitigation includes proper mask use, workplace safety protocols, keeping in-person gatherings small, social distancing, frequent handwashing and staying home if sick.
They recommend that businesses and the public sector continue the same practices and policies established under the executive orders.
The Barry-Eaton District Health Department also said it is considering "the efficacy of issuing orders within our district, using authority granted through the Michigan Public Health Code to protect the public’s health."
The departmentwill provide updated information when it’s available.