A day after the first local COVID-19 Omicron cases were announced, the St. Clair County Health Department is exercising a power for the first time since the start of the pandemic. Medical Health Officer Dr. Annette Mercatante is ordering masks to be warn in all Kindergarten through Grade 12 educational settings in St. Clair County effective Monday, January 3rd.
“Given the looming threat of the Omicron variant on top of the already high case rates within the community, it is prudent to take pre-emptive action now to ensure in-person learning continues within our schools” said Dr. Annette Mercatante in a press release provided to WPHM.
The orders, issued pursuant to the Michigan Public Health Code, state that all staff and students regardless of vaccination status must “properly and consistently” wear a facial covering while indoors. Exceptions will be made for those under five years of age, while eating, and those with developmental conditions. The orders will run through Friday January 28, 2022.
