Public Health Departments across West Michigan are urging residents that despite the Supreme Court’s recent ruling against Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s executive orders, everyone should continue wearing a mask indoors and practice social distancing. The court ruled on Friday that Whitmer did not have the legal authority to extend her executive powers after April 30th. Now public health departments across West Michigan say there is an immediate concern that people will stop taking the coronavirus pandemic seriously, while putting others at risk.
“We’ve made such good progress in Muskegon County, our metrics have been moving in a positive direction and so my very first thought or concern was, ‘I really hope this doesn’t cause us to go backwards,'" Muskegon’s Public Health Department Director Kathy Moore said.
“Our official stance is to please stay the course,” she said.
And it’s an official stance that is shared by neighboring Ottawa County, says Public Information Officer Kristina Weighmink.
“It is concerning for public health officials that people may not take, what science has proven to be affective disease prevention measures, that people may not that seriously,” Weighmink said. “And whether something is granted emergency power, or law, it still does not eliminate the fact each of us needs to take personal responsibility, to watch out from one another, and not spread COVID-19.”
And the Kent County Public Health Department agrees. On Monday, Director Adam London issued this statement in part:
“The KCHD stresses the importance of adhering to the guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.”
