In response to the Michigan Supreme Court ruling on October 2, 2020 regarding Governor Whitmer’s State of Emergency declaration and subsequent executive orders, Kevin Hughes, Health Officer for District Health Department #10 (DHD#10), issued the following statement:  

While we process the rulings from Michigan’s Supreme Court, DHD#10’s leadership team is in consultation with our legal team, our Board of Health, the Michigan Association of Public Health, and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to determine next steps for our 10-county jurisdiction. We ask for your patience as we work to interpret the rulings and establish the best course of action to protect the health of the public.  

In the meantime, we stand behind the mitigation measures given since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic to prevent spreading the virus, including: 

• Wear a mask to protect others from you in the event you are unknowingly contagious 
• Social distance by 6 feet or more from others 
• Wash or sanitize your hands frequently 
• Stay home if you are ill or have flu-like symptoms 
• Avoid large gatherings, especially if you are at high risk for contracting the virus 

Our role in public health is to promote and protect the health of people and the communities where they live, learn, work and play. Preventing and controlling the spread of infectious diseases is at the heart of what we do. Just like influenza and other infectious diseases, COVID-19 can have a devastating impact on human health. Until there is a vaccine and effective treatment to prevent further spread, DHD#10 will continue to promote prevention strategies that will lessen the impact on our communities. We will remain focused on our public health efforts of encouraging testing, case investigation and contact tracing, and promoting compliance with safety precautions. We will share additional information as it becomes available.