On Thursday, April 9, 2020, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer extended the Stay Home, Stay Safe Executive Order (EO) through April 30, 2020 in order to continue to reduce and slow the spread of SARS-CoV-2 which is the virus which caused Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).
For year-round residents of Luce, Mackinac, Alger, and Schoolcraft counties, the extended stay safe order is generally consistent with the original order with a few exceptions. Leaving your residence is limited to necessary trips to a grocery store, pharmacy, or other essential business.
Outdoor recreation is allowed, and includes walking, hiking, running, cycling, kayaking, canoeing, or other similar physical activity, as well as any comparable activity for those with limited mobility.
During any outdoor recreation activity, if you encounter anyone that does not live in your household, you must maintain at least six feet of distance from that person. It is important to remember that the order prohibits any gatherings with persons who do not live in your immediate household.
Individuals may also leave their residence if their job is classified by the state as essential, and to perform tasks that are necessary to the health and safety of themselves, family and household members (including pets). Individuals, for example, may leave their place of residence to secure medication or to seek medical or dental care that is necessary to address a medical emergency or to preserve the health and safety of another household member.
Individuals should limit, to the maximum extent that is safe and feasible, the number of household members who leave the home for any errands.
For seasonal residents of the LMAS District Health Department counties or anywhere in the state of Michigan, travel between two residences is now prohibited through 11:59pm on Thursday, April 30, 2020. It is also prohibited to travel to vacation rentals in the state.
The Health Department urges everyone to continue to be cooperative with recommendations to keep yourself and others safe. This includes following “Stay Home, Stay Safe” orders and social distancing. Remember that some may be infected with the virus and never develop any symptoms, but still infect others.
By reducing exposure to others throughout all communities, we will slow and reduce the spread of this virus.
COVID-19 symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure to the virus. Symptoms of the infection include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. If you experience any of these symptoms, please contact your local healthcare provider by phone.
Other ways to reduce the spread of COVID-19, include handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, wearing a cloth face covering in public, and disinfecting commonly touched surfaces such as countertops, doorknobs, and handrails.
If you are experiencing anxiety related to COVID-19, please contact the Hiawatha Behavioral Health 24 hour hotline at: 1-800-839-9443. You may also text TalkWithUs to 66746 for the SAMHSA Disaster Distress Hotline.
LMAS District Health Department services are limited and available only by appointment. More information about COVID-19 and the Governor’s Executive Orders can be found at LMASDHD.org and Michigan.gov/Coronavirus. Follow @LMASDHD on Facebook for the latest updates.
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