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Public Guidance
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Public Guidance
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The following guidance applies across the state, but there may be more restrictive or specific guidelines in your area.
Please check your local health department website for more information.
MI SAFE START RESTRICTIONS
Track the current COVID-19 risk levels across the state, as well as epidemic spread by region.
Learn the key highlights from the Oct. 9 MDHHS Epidemic Order:
View above infographic as a pdf.
For additional details you can view the fact sheet or read the full epidemic order.
BEST PRACTICES
These are the best practice guidelines and guidances for specific areas of the public sector.
What to expect when you report for work or visit any public facility:
- Always bring a mask or face covering – you will have to wear one. Employees will also wear a mask.
- Hand sanitizer should be available, but consider bringing some with you. It remains good practice to frequently wash hands.
- Stay home if you are sick.
- Keep 6 feet of distance between yourself and others.
What to expect when you report for work or visit certain facilities:
Even when competitions are not held, teams may meet and practice in a way that is socially distanced and addresses concerns arising from close contacts. In these contexts, MDHHS recommendations include:
Adjusting the level and intensity of physical activity and taking frequent rest breaks can improve toleration of a face covering.
- If a cloth face covering cannot be tolerated while engaging in athletic activity, a plastic face shield covering the mouth and nose would also be acceptable.
- If an athlete cannot tolerate either a cloth face covering or a plastic face shield, then the athlete should make adjustments to the activity that would maintain distancing of 6 feet or more (individual practice rather than game play, for example).
- You may be asked to leave and reschedule if you have symptoms of COVID-19.
- You may be able to remove your mask or face covering during certain services if it is in the way. You should put your mask back on after that service is complete.
- You will need to make an appointment – ask about how and when you should enter the facility so you can plan ahead.
- There are limits on the number of people allowed to enter a facility at one time, and you may have to wait. Plan to wait outside the building until they contact you and inform you that they are ready for your appointment.
- Don’t bring others to your appointment unless it is a child or adult who requires supervision or assistance.
- Magazines and beverages should not be available.
- You should be screened for symptoms of COVID-19 and have your temperature checked when you enter the building.
- You will need to disinfect shared spaces (like locker rooms) and exercise equipment when you are done using it. Employees will disinfect areas where you practice and play.
- Avoid physical contact with others, including celebrating with fist bumps or high fives.
- Drinking fountains may not be available; plan to bring water with you.
- Consider playing with your team, but it is recommended to avoid playing games with other teams until it is considered safe to do so.
- You should be screened for symptoms of COVID-19 when you enter the venue.
- Staff should keep surfaces disinfected, like counters and payment machines. Do your part by avoiding touching surfaces and objects when not necessary.
- Entryways, reception areas and other common gathering places will likely be closed.
- There may be limits on the number of people allowed to enter a facility at one time, and you may have to wait.
- Venues may have strict seating charts to allow for social distancing. Always keep 6 feet of space between yourself and others.
- If someone becomes sick, be aware that the venue, or parts of the venue, may close.
- There might be restrictions on what personal items you can take into the venue. It is good practice to call the venue to find out what you may bring with you if you are unsure.
- Self-service stations (like beverage dispensers or buffet items) may not be available.
- Concession stands may not be available; plan accordingly.
- You should be screened for symptoms of COVID-19 and have your temperature checked when you enter the building.
- Your employer will have a COVID-19 plan that includes a person who can answer any questions you may have.
- If you are sick, notify your employer. Your employer will notify you if you come into contact with someone who may have COVID-19. Social distancing is important. You should conduct meetings virtually whenever possible, and cancel any meetings or gatherings where social distancing is not possible.
- Use telework options if they are available.
- If you use a shared workspace, disinfect it before you leave.
- Visitors may not be allowed in the building.
- Halloween Guidance
- You don’t have to wear a mask when you are outside and more than 6 feet from others at a park or other outdoor recreation area. However, if you enter a park office or other indoor facility, you will need to put on a face mask or cloth face covering.
- Avoid contact with others, including celebrating with fist bumps or high fives.
- If someone is suspected to have COVID-19, the park will close.
- You may have a picnic and watch sporting events, but keep 6 feet away from others.
- Drinking fountains may not be available; plan to bring water with you.
- Concession stands may not yet be open; plan accordingly for drinks and food.
- It is good practice to call ahead to learn wait times, understand check-in processes and to see if there are restrictions on party size as most establishments are operating at limited capacity. Even restaurants that don’t normally require reservations may use a reservation system right now.
- Waiting areas are closed, be prepared to wait in your car until your table is ready.
- Wear a mask or face covering as you enter and move around the establishment. You may remove your mask while seated at your table. Make sure to put it back on whenever you leave the table and store it somewhere clean (like in a bag) when not wearing it.
- Menus, and other shared table items like salt and pepper, should be disinfected before you are seated. Some restaurants will use paper menus and dispose after use.
- Self-service stations (like beverage dispensers or buffet items) may not be available. Call ahead if you have questions about how that might affect your dine-in experience.
- Restaurants and bars that offer catering services will be required to continue safe service practices at your event.
- Consider using carry out instead of dine-in services.
- There are limits on the number of people allowed to enter a store at one time, and you may have to wait. Plan to wait outside the building.
- You will likely find directional arrows in aisles to minimize contact with others. At check-out you will likely see marks on the floor to help you keep 6 feet of distance between yourself and others waiting in line.
- Store employees should keep surfaces disinfected, like counters and payment machines. Do your part by avoiding touching surfaces when not necessary.
- Self-service food and beverage stations are not available.
- Consider using online ordering and curbside pick-up when available.
- Players should be screened for symptoms of COVID-19 and have their temperature checked before practices and games. It is good practice to check your child’s temperature before leaving home so you can stay home if they have a fever.
- Players may be able to remove their masks or face coverings during practice and game play. Spectators should continue to wear a mask indoors or anytime they are within six feet of others.
- Coaches and caregivers should remind players to practice good hand hygiene and social distancing measures.
- Your coach or other staff will notify you if a player has COVID-19.
- Avoid physical contact with others, including celebrating with fist bumps or high fives.
- Players will need to disinfect shared spaces (like locker rooms) when they are done using them.
- Players can share team equipment, but it should be disinfected after each use. A designated adult will be responsible for making sure all equipment is disinfected.
- Consider playing with your team, but it is recommended to avoid playing games with other teams until it is considered safe to do so.
- Whenever possible, players should ride to and from practices and games with their own household members.
- Drinking fountains may not be available; plan to bring water with you. Make sure your child’s bottle is labeled with their name.
- Concession stands may not be available; plan accordingly.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
The following resources are available to workers to ease anxieties and guide you through the uncertainties which come with this pandemic:
MI Safe Schools Roadmap
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Michigan’s 2020-21 Return to School Roadmap
