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the pandemic was not subject to approval by the board. Accordingly, we affirm the trial court’s
order of summary dismissal.
I. FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY
This case concerns the August 20, 2021 order issued by the health officer mandating the
wearing of masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in schools. The order required children from
prekindergarten through grade six to wear a facial covering while in an “educational institution”
or “educational setting.” “Educational institutions” and “educational settings” included “youth
camps, youth programs, childcare centers, preschools, primary through secondary schools,
vocational schools, colleges, and universities and other organized activities outside the home
where coursework is taught.” The order also covered extracurricular activities such as school
athletics. In addition, the mandate required all service providers, regardless of vaccination status,
to wear a facial covering while in an educational institution. This included “students, teachers,
administrative staff, attendees, volunteers, coaches, camp leaders, and other employees . . . .”
Several residents of Ottawa County expressed their disagreement with the order at a county
commission meeting. Board members revealed that they were generally unable to reverse an order
issued by the health officer. In a written statement, the chairperson of the board explained that
“[t]here is no question that the Board of Commissioners cannot make this decision and cannot
reverse this decision.”
Plaintiffs, who were residents of Ottawa County with children in grades kindergarten
through sixth grade, filed a complaint against the health officer, the board, and the department.
Initially, plaintiffs claimed that the health officer’s factual findings in relation to issuing the order
were insufficient to authorize the mandate. Further, they asserted that the order mandating facial
coverings was invalid because it was not approved by the board as required by law.
The health officer issued a subsequent order containing factual determinations and
parameters regarding the mandate. The revised order did not alter the facial-covering requirement
for individuals present in schools. The revised mandate explained that it would terminate 60 days
after the COVID-19 vaccine was authorized by the United States Food and Drug Administration
for persons in prekindergarten through grade six, or when the community transmission in Ottawa
County was categorized as “moderate” by the Centers for Disease Control for at least 14
consecutive days. Furthermore, the hearing officer could give notice and end the mandate earlier
if appropriate.
Plaintiffs then amended their complaint, now focusing solely on their contention that the
mandate or order could not be issued without the approval of the board. Defendants moved for
summary disposition pursuant to MCR 2.116(C)(8), arguing that the order was properly issued and
fully enforceable under the applicable statutory scheme. Therefore, according to defendants,
plaintiffs failed to state a claim on which relief could be granted. After holding a hearing, the trial
court agreed with defendants and ruled that the order mandating masks was legally valid and
enforceable. This appeal followed.
II. ANALYSIS