MDHHS issues emergency order requiring schools to publicly notify of COVID-19 cases

(FOX 2) - The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) issued an emergency order Tuesday about how schools must notify the public about any COVID-19 cases. 

The order requires K-12 schools to provide public notice to the school community about probable and confirmed cases of COVID-19 within 24 hours, and local health departments to notify schools within 24 hours of learning of a probable or confirmed school-associated case of COVID-19. 

Upon notification, schools must provide public notification on a highly visible location on the school’s website that covers the impacted building or location within 24 hours. 

Schools are encouraged to provide information about measures in place at the school to prevent transmission of COVID-19, as well as measures that individuals can take to prevent transmission. 

“Recent outbreaks throughout the country demonstrate that COVID-19 can spread quickly in the school setting,” said MDHHS Director Robert Gordon. “Timely communication from schools to parents, guardians, students, teachers, staff and other persons affiliated with schools enables members of the school community to take measures to prevent spread of the virus.” 

In addition to the public notice, local health departments will continue to provide direct notification to individuals who are, or are suspected, of being a close contact of school-associated case. 

This order goes into effect on Monday, Oct. 12 and follows the Michigan Supreme Court decision on Friday, Oct 2, that invalidated Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's COVID-19 related executive orders.

You can find information about ongoing school outbreaks here.