LANSING, MI. — The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services issued an emergency order Thursday, April 2, 2020, setting fines at $1,000 for not complying with executive orders banning gatherings and non-essential businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Along with the $1,000 fine, the state health department said violators could also be reviewed by any state licensing agency and that licensing agency could also apply a penalty.
“A person can have coronavirus without knowing it,” Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Director Robert Gordon said in a written announcement on the fines. “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.”
The health department said places of religious worship were exempt from the emergency rules, but only when used for religious worship.
Law enforcement agencies in Michigan have been authorized to investigate violations and are authorized to prevent access to businesses that fail to comply with the executive orders.
• 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.
Law enforcement agencies across the state are authorized to investigate potential violations of Executive Orders 2020-11, 2020-20 and 2020-21 and coordinating as necessary with their local health departments to enforce this Emergency Order within their jurisdiction.
Law enforcement is specifically authorized to bar access to businesses and operations that fail to comply with the procedures and restrictions outlined in the Executive Orders.
