EAST LANSING, Mich. — At last night’s East Lansing City Council meeting, the City Council approved a policy resolution extending East Lansing Mayor Aaron Stephens’ declaration of a City State of Emergency and the requirement to wear a face mask in all outdoor public spaces within the boundaries of the East Lansing Downtown Development Authority (DDA) through January 31, 2021 at 11:59 p.m.
Under the mayor’s order and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ latest Gatherings and Face Mask Order, it continues to be a requirement that individuals wear a face mask over their mouth and nose in all public spaces in the DDA district, both inside businesses and in outdoor public spaces (sidewalks, streets, plazas, etc.). For mask requirements in other parts of the community, view MDHHS’ Gatherings and Face Mask Order.
“As of yesterday evening, there were a total of 10,984 cumulative positive COVID-19 cases, 153 deaths and 154 current COVID-19 hospitalizations in our county alone,” said East Lansing Mayor Aaron Stephens. “It is imperative that we all continue to wear masks and practice safe physical distancing when out in public spaces for our community’s health and for the sake of our frontline healthcare workers.”
Signs have been installed at the entry points of the DDA district as well as throughout the downtown and inside parking garages to notify visitors that masks are required. Additionally, sidewalks throughout the downtown have been chalked with reminders to wear a mask.
Under Ordinance No. 1488, East Lansing’s mayor is empowered to declare a City State of Emergency and issue orders, rules and regulations regarding the use of public property to protect life and property during the declared emergency. Pursuant to Ordinance No. 1488, a violation of this order is a civil infraction punishable by a fine of up to $25.
The requirement to wear a mask in the East Lansing DDA boundary is subject to some exceptions:
- A person is not required to wear a mask while seated at a table and eating or drinking.
- A person is not required to wear a mask if they cannot medically tolerate wearing one.
View MDHHS’ Gatherings and Face Mask Order for additional exceptions under that order: https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus/0,9753,7-406-98178_98455-546790--,00.html.