Michigan Health Chief Cites ‘Broad’ Authority, Issues Rules

On Monday Michigan’s Health Department delivered a mask requirement along with other Covid restrictions. A few days earlier the Michigan Supreme Court had invalidated the Governors Emergency orders after April 30th. We are seeing hot spots in Michigan where infections are spreading, and now is not the time to stop protecting ourselves against this virus.

AP reports The Democratic governor separately asked the court to declare its Friday ruling not binding until Oct. 30, to give her administration, the Republican-led Legislature and local health departments time to transition. GOP leaders questioned delaying the court’s decision and prepared to return to session this month to codify an undetermined number of her 30-plus orders into law, such as one extending base unemployment benefits to 26 weeks from 20 weeks.

In lieu of the Governor losing her emergency powers, Robert Gordon Michigan's Health Chief said he has broad powers and used them to issue more directions to reinstate some of the actions that were negated by the Michigan Supreme Court. The Senate plans to meet this Thursday to decide on several of the Governors orders which may become law.

“We will do everything we can to make sure the people of Michigan have peace of mind about the state’s response and about their future,” Shirkey and House Speaker Lee Chatfield said in a Tuesday statement. Whitmer called on the legislature to reinstate the unemployment extensions from 20 to 26 weeks. At this point it is unknown if they will agree to extend unemployment benefits.

WILX reports “Robert Gordon, director of the Department of Health and Human Services, reinstated rules for nursing homes and other congregate-care settings. He also told local health departments to inform K-12 schools within 24 hours of learning of a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19. A school must post it on its website within 24 hours of being notified.”

Opponents of the orders have the possibility of filing lawsuits to reverse them. Our 7-day average of new infections is currently 1008, which has expanded more than 200 in the past two weeks, the highest since April. Covid deaths in Michigan currently stand at 7100 and rising. Gordon also passed along this advice to the residents of Michigan, “For their sake, for their loved ones and for all of us, please wear a mask, socially distance, wash your hands,” he said. “The virus doesn’t care about the politics. The virus is on the move.” Very good honest advice which has been proven to be successful in inhibiting the spread of Covid-19.