Nov 20, 2021 - Health

Michigan recommends face masks for all residents amid COVID surge

Kierra Frazier

Students walk through the hallway at a high school during the first day of classes in Novi, Michigan, U.S., on Tuesday, Sept. 7 2021. — Students walk through the hallway at a high school during the first day of classes in Novi, Michigan, on Tuesday, Sept. 7 2021. Photo: Emily Elconin/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Michigan announced a new advisory on Friday, saying that all residents 2 years or older should wear a face mask at indoor gatherings regardless of vaccination status.

Why it matters: The advisory comes as Michigan faces its highest surge of COVID-19 cases since the pandemic began.

The state hit its highest seven-day case rate in 2021 at 589.3 cases, the Detroit Free Press reports, citing data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The big picture: The statewide face mask advisory, which began Friday, will remain in effect until further notice.

Michigan also recommended that establishments should implement a policy to require patrons and employees to wear a face mask.

What they're saying: "The increases in case counts, percent positivity and hospitalizations have us very concerned," Elizabeth Hertel, director of Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, said in a statement.

"COVID-19 cases are high as we head into the holidays, and we must take every measure we can to keep our families and loved ones safe - which starts with getting vaccinated," Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan's chief medical executive, added in a statement.

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Michigan recommends face masks for all residents amid COVID surge

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