The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) issued an emergency order on Thursday, stating that individuals can be fined up to $1,000 dollars in civil penalties for violating laws regarding the CCP virus, according to a news release issued.
In particular, the penalty applies to individuals who violate the Executive Orders 2020-11, 2020-20, and 2020-21. These executive orders were passed on March 11, 22, and 23, respectively, according to the emergency order.
Executive Order 2020-11 (March 11) stated that large assemblages and events would be temporarily prohibited, and this applied to schools as well, as they would also be temporarily closed.
Executive Orders 2020-20 (March 22) stated that there would be a temporary restriction placed on the use of public accommodation.
Executive Order 2020-21, referred to temporarily restricting gatherings and travel and prohibits in-person work that is not necessary to sustain or protect life.
The penalties for violating the executive orders are as follows: “A violation of the April 1, 2020, Emergency Order is subject to a penalty of up to $1,000 for each violation or day that a violation continues.”
Furthermore, the executive order stated, “violations must also be referred to the relevant licensing agencies for additional enforcement action as determined by the licensing agency.”
However, the exception is that places of worship are not subjected to the above rules only when they are used for religious worship, the order stated.
The rules will be in effect for the next six months, according to the emergency order.
According to the news release, the executive order that all individuals need to abide by are as follows:
“Executive Order 2020-11 temporarily prohibits large assemblages and events and temporarily closes schools,”
“Executive Order 2020-20 places temporary restrictions on the use of places of public accommodation,” “Executive Order 2020-21 temporarily restricts gatherings and travel and prohibits in-person work that is not necessary to sustain or protect life.”
“A person can have coronavirus without knowing it. They can spread the disease to others who can spread it to others. The only way to stop the spread is social distancing. A civil penalty and potential licensing actions send a strong message to Michiganders that social distancing is essential to saving lives,” Gordon stated.
Furthermore, Joneign Khaldun, the chief medical executive and chief deputy for health, also stressed the importance of social distancing, stating, “There is not a vaccine or a recognized treatment for COVID-19 and our healthcare system is being severely taxed by this pandemic. We need people to heed the Stay Home, Stay Safe order as well as other orders issued by the Governor to protect the health and safety of all Michiganders.”
Michigan has recorded a total of 10,791 confirmed cases of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, commonly known as novel coronavirus, as well as 417 deaths within the state, according to the Johns Hopkins University Resource Center.