EAST LANSING, Mich. — At the East Lansing City Council meeting this past Tuesday, Feb. 23, 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 May 16, 2021 at 11:59 p.m.
Under the mayor’s order and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ 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.
“We need to continue with these safety measures to keep our COVID-19 positivity rate down and to ensure that our businesses are able to stay open. We are so close to the finish line on this, but we must remain vigilant until community immunity is achieved through vaccine distribution,” said East Lansing Mayor Aaron Stephens. “It’s also important to continue with these safety measures as we work to activate public spaces and provide programming in downtown East Lansing in support of our local businesses. Community members can find additional information about downtown East Lansing programming at www.downtownEL.com.”
Per the East Lansing City Code, 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. A violation of the order is a civil infraction punishable by a fine of up to $25. The requirement to wear a mask within the East Lansing DDA boundary is subject to some exclusions:
- 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 exclusions under that order.