Non Compliance Can Bring Fines & More

MDHHS issues Emergency Order; NCSO responds

LANSING, MICH- To help control the COVID-19 pandemic, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Director Robert Gordon issued an Emergency Order on April 2 setting a civil penalty of up to $1,000 and a process for referral to licensing agencies for violations.

The Emergency Order requires that every person must comply with the procedures and restrictions outlined in these Executive Orders and the instructions provided in their accompanying FAQs.

• 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.

In addition to civil penalties, entities regulated by a licensing agency will be referred to relevant licensing agencies for additional enforcement action as determined by that agency. Places of religious worship, when used for religious worship, are exempt from the Emergency Rules.

Law enforcement agencies across the state are authorized to investigate potential violations.

The Newaygo County  Sheriff's Office is not actively searching for violations of the executive order but will investigate any complaints filed.

“We will take a complaint when given and make a determination,” said Sheriff Mendham. “A verbal warning will be issued if we feel the business is in violation. A second complaint (violation) would go to the prosecutor.”

As of Tuesday, April 2, Michigan has recorded more than 10,000 cases of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) with 417 deaths.