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For more information, visit Michigan.gov/Coronavirus
February 16, 2022
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) continues to prioritize public health and
promote health and wellness for all families and communities amidst the impacts of COVID-19. While
vaccination remains one of the most important public health tools to protect Michiganders from severe
outcomes due to COVID-19, there are additional tools such as isolation and quarantine, therapeutics, testing
and increasing use of environmental interventions (e.g., ventilation).
Based on current conditions, MDHHS is expiring the Public Health Advisory on Masking in Indoor Public
Settings, including school settings.
Moving forward, the COVID-19 response cycle can be broken down into three key phases:
Response Local and state public health implement rapid response to a surge. The public may
be advised to increase masking, testing and social distancing.
Recovery Post-surge. No immediate resurgence predicted. Local and state public health will
monitor conditions that could lead to future surges.
Readiness A surge in cases is expected, with implications on severity of illness and hospital
capacity. Increased communication to the public regarding possible new risks.
MDHHS supports adjusting mask recommendations as we cycle through periods of response, recovery and
readiness and following local health department decisions based on local conditions. Current case rates and
hospitalizations, and increased access to vaccines, testing and therapies, indicate Michigan is entering a
post-surge recovery phase of the cycle:
During this post-surge recovery phase, MDHHS recommends that all individuals, regardless of vaccination
status, continue to practice masking in high-risk congregate settings (including long-term and health care
facilities, jails and correctional facilities and shelters).
UPDATED MASKING GUIDANCE
FOR MICHIGANDERS
Michigan.gov/Coronavirus
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For more information, visit Michigan.gov/Coronavirus
All individuals, regardless of vaccination status, should also wear a mask during isolation and quarantine
periods to stop further community spread of COVID-19.
When to Wear a Mask During the Post-Surge Recovery Phase
Individuals should still practice masking in high-risk
congregate settings, such as long-term care and health
care facilities, jails, correctional facilities, and shelters.
All individuals, regardless of vaccination status, should wear a mask during isolation and quarantine
periods. Learn more about isolation and quarantine periods. This is an important step to protect family,
friends, and neighbors and stop further community spread of COVID-19.
There may be local masking guidance, policies and/or orders from local health departments, organizations,
and/or school districts that must be followed. Policies established by event organizers and businesses may
be instituted to fit the specific needs of their customers and should be followed.
Making Personal Decisions About Mask Use for Those Not In The Above Categories
Masks are an important tool in mitigating spread of COVID-19 and individuals who feel sick, may be at
higher risk of infection, or who feel better protected when masked should choose when they feel
comfortable masking.
Michiganders should consider their individual and family members’ risk factors and vaccination status when
making the personal decision whether to mask. Those with chronic illness or who are immunocompromised
are at higher risk for poor outcomes from COVID and would benefit most from masking in indoor settings.
These risk factors may include age, medical conditions, and vaccination status.
The use of a well-fitting mask provides benefits and protection to both the wearer and to those in close
contact to the wearer. Masks help reduce inhalation of potential virus droplets for the wearer (filtration) as
well as to decrease possibility of transmission of virus to those close by the wearer (source control).
Mask Use During Future Phases
Recommendations regarding masking may change as conditions evolve such changes could include the
presence of a new variant that increases the risk to the public, or an increased number of cases that strains
the healthcare system. During future times of surge, additional access to testing resources, vaccination
clinics, and therapeutic treatment may be made available as the situation warrants.
MDHHS continues to recommend the use of layered mitigation strategies for Michiganders:
Get vaccinated against COVID-19. Michiganders should get up to date on their COVID-19 vaccine.
Learn more about vaccines and when you’re up to date at Michigan.gov/COVIDVaccine.
Therapeutics. After testing positive for COVID-19, individuals who are unvaccinated, high-risk and/or
are immunocompromised should talk to their doctors about whether they meet eligibility criteria for
antibody or antiviral treatment to help with their recovery. Learn more about COVID-19
Therapeutics.
Isolation and Quarantine. Staying away from others when you are sick or were recently exposed to
COVID-19 are important tools to preventing further spread of the virus. Learn more about what
happens when you have or are exposed to COVID-19
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For more information, visit Michigan.gov/Coronavirus
Get tested if you are exposed or have symptoms. Anyone with signs or symptoms of COVID-19
should get tested regardless of vaccination status or prior infection. Testing before unmasked
gatherings provides an additional layer of protection. Find a test site at
Michigan.gov/CoronavirusTest. Take additional steps to protect yourself and others. For additional
guidance on mitigation strategies see How to Protect Yourself and Others.
*The CDC requires that all persons wear masks on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public
transportation, as well as at airports and stations.