LANSING (WWJ) -- The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) issued a face mask advisory Thursday.
With the increasing cases of COVID-19 and the flu, MDHHS is recommending that everyone over the age of 2 wear a face mask at indoor gatherings regardless of vaccination status.
“The increases in case counts, percent positivity and hospitalizations have us very concerned,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “We are issuing the face mask advisory and are looking to Michiganders to do their part to help protect their friends, their families and their communities by wearing a mask in indoor settings and getting vaccinated for COVID-19 and flu as soon as possible if they have not already done so.”
The public health advisory also urges establishments to implement face mask policies of their own for all people entering or seeking services, including employees.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also issued recommendations for safe gatherings, including wearing masks, getting vaccinated, social distancing and washing hands.
Related
Furthermore, the MDHHS is encouraging individuals to get the flu and COVID-19 vaccines or boosters, which can be administered at the same time
As hospitals in the area are overcrowded and understaffed, the MDHHS said getting vaccinated relieves the burden on Michigan hospitals.
“What we’re seeing is truly unprecedented,” said Dr. Darryl Elmouchi, president of Spectrum Health West Michigan, who shared that Spectrum Health currently has 370 hospitalized COVID-19 patients — 86% of those patients being unvaccinated. “Our teams are tired but working hard to care for their communities. We’re counting on people to help us by getting vaccinated or getting a booster dose if eligible, wearing masks and being smart about holiday gatherings.”
Related
For the upcoming holidays, the MDHHS follows CDC guidance in offering the following considerations:
• Immunocompromised people should take all the precautions as if they were unvaccinated, including wearing a well-fitted mask
• Wear a mask if a household member has a weakened immune system, is at an increased risk for severe disease or is unvaccinated.
• If gathering with groups from multiple households from different areas across the state and country, consider taking additional precautions like getting tested for COVID-19 to reduce the risk of spreading the virus to loved ones.
The face mask advisory will remain in effect until further notice.
To find a vaccine near you, visit VaccineFinder.org.
