The Health Department of Northwest Michigan has ordered the school districts in its jurisdiction to require students and staff to wear masks this year.
The rule covers students from kindergarten through 12th grade, as well as staff and visitors. It applies to everyone regardless of whether they’ve been vaccinated.
The health department said the increase in COVID-19 cases in the four counties it covers is straining hospitals and emergency responders.
Department spokesperson Laurel Johnson said children under 12 are vulnerable to catching and spreading the virus because they aren’t eligible for vaccination. She says masking will reduce transmission of the virus in schools and help them stay open for in-person classes.
The order leaves several exceptions to the mask mandate, including for children under 5, neurodivergent students, and teachers who are working with children who are hard of hearing or neurodivergent students who benefit from facial cues -- though the department still encourages masking for those people when possible.
The order has no end date. The health department says it will remain in place until the risk from COVID-19 has decreased.