Despite CDC Recommendations, Michigan Will Not Adopt New Guidelines
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services intends to review the evidence behind the CDC’s recommendations and until that time, Michigan will not adopt the new shortened isolation and quarantine guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says it still needs to review the supporting evidence and wait for additional information for people at high-risk.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services states,
"Michigan continues to experience high rates of transmission and has several tools to further prevent the spread of COVID-19. The delta variant has already fueled the current surge in COVID cases and hospitalizations. The high transmissibility of the omicron variant underscores the importance of Michiganders practicing the COVID mitigation practices that are known to reduce spread and risk. Ensuring that as many Michiganders as possible are vaccinated is the best protection available against additional variants of concern and reduces the strain on hospitals."
What Are the Current Michigan Guidelines?
- If you are sick, have symptoms and have either tested positive or suspect you may have COVID-19: Isolate until it's been at least 10 days since symptoms appeared and at least 24 hours without fever and without the use of fever-reducing medicine and symptoms have improved.
- If you test positive for the virus but are asymptomatic: Stay home until after 10 days have passed since your positive test.
- If you have been exposed to someone who has COVID-19, but are fully vaccinated and asymptomatic: You do not have to quarantine. You should get tested 5-7 days after exposure.
- If you have been exposed to someone who has COVID-19 but are not fully vaccinated: Quarantine for 14 days after your last contact with the person
Spectrum Health released this graph.
Additional information can be found here.
Governor Whitmer urging all students and staff at ALL Michigan schools to wear masks upon returning from winter break. As the number of COVID outbreaks surge in Michigan, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recommended that elementary K-5 students wear masks. This is not a mandate but a hard suggestion.
Michigan Department of Education sent a letter to superintendents Thursday urging schools to take steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 after winter break. MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel said,
"Our priority has remained keeping students safe. Children ages 5 and older now can get vaccinated. In addition to vaccination, we strongly recommend universal masking for students, teachers and staff. We have the tools to keep Michiganders safe and we must continue to use them."
Health officials also want schools to review their plans for events and gatherings including conferences, meetings, sporting events and concerts.