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State Rescinds COVID-Related Health Orders
(State of Michigan, June 17, 2021)
Lansing, MI -Michigan law imposes on the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) a duty to “continually and diligently endeavor to prevent disease, prolong life, and promote the public health,” and gives the Department “general supervision of the interests of the health and life of the people of this state.” MCL 333.2221.
On March 10, 2020, MDHHS identified the first two presumptive-positive cases of COVID-19 in Michigan. Since October 9, 2020, MDHHS has issued epidemic orders to control the spread of COVID-19 across the state. As of June 16, 2021, Michigan has seen a total of 892,830 confirmed cases and 19,578 confirmed deaths attributable to COVID-19.
Since the April 2021 peak, positivity rates, case rates, hospitalizations, and deaths have decreased. As of June 14, 2021, the weekly average positivity rate has decreased by 90% from the mid-April 2021 peak to 1.9%. The seven-day average case rate for Michigan has fallen by 96% to 24.3 cases per million through June 9, 2021. The rate of COVID-19 cases detected per day in Michigan is below 500 and continues to fall. These are the lowest percent positivity and case rates in Michigan over the past year. As of June 16, 2021, there are 493 Michiganders hospitalized with COVID-19, a decline of 87% since the mid-April 2021 peak. The seven-day average daily death rate through June 9, 2021, has declined by 75% to 1.9 deaths per million.
Since December 11, 2020, the Food and Drug Administration has granted emergency use authorization to three vaccines to prevent COVID-19, providing a path to end the pandemic. As of June 15, 2021, 60.6% of Michigan residents 16 and older have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. The introduction of highly effective and safe COVID-19 vaccines and the warmer weather have greatly reduced the spread of COVID-19 across the United States. An increasing number and volume of therapeutics are also available, such as monoclonal antibodies, which can help to reduce the severity of COVID-19 cases.
Considering the above, and upon the advice of scientific and medical experts, I have concluded that although the COVID-19 pandemic continues to constitute an epidemic in Michigan, certain protective measures and requirements can be lifted at this time.

I therefore order that the following Emergency Orders be rescinded effective June 22, 2021, at 12:01 AM:

  1. Gatherings and Face Mask Order (signed on May 24, 2021; effective on June 1, 2021)
  2. Temporary Restrictions for Entry into Congregate Care and Juvenile Justice Facilities (October 29, 2020)
  3. Mandatory Testing for Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ Juvenile Justice Facility Staff (signed on September 18, 2020)
  4. Mandatory Testing for Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Hospitals and Centers Staff (September 14, 2020)
  5. Exceptions to Temporary Restrictions on Entry into Congregate Care and Juvenile Justice Facilities (June 29, 2020)
  6. Exceptions to Temporary Restrictions on Entry into Certain Facilities (June 3, 2020)
  7.  Safe Housing for Housing Unstable Individuals (May 12, 2020)
  8. Handling of Bodily Remains (May 4, 2020)
  9. Safe Housing for Michigan Homeless (April 28, 2020)

This order does not affect any proceedings or prosecutions based on conduct that has or will occur before the effective rescission date of the above orders.
This Order is effective immediately.
Date: June 17, 2021
Elizabeth Hertel, Director
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services