LANSING, Mich. – Michigan’s COVID-19 cases sharply declined during the stay-at-home order, but even with cases currently spiking higher than ever before, there are several reasons a similar order likely isn’t necessary, according to the governor. Gretchen Whitmer was asked Thursday during her COVID-19 press briefing whether another stay-at-home order might help get cases under control. The state reported a single-day high 4,101 new COVID-19 cases Wednesday (Nov. 4). “A key part of that mix this spring was your stay-at-home order. She cited some key differences between then and now that might suggest we don’t need another stay-at-home order to decrease the case count.

Gretchen Whitmer was asked Thursday why she thinks some residents ignore COVID-19 safety orders despite the rising number of cases in the state. READ: How COVID-19 is spreading in all 8 regions as Michigan’s statewide case rate soars“Part of the theory is that people are tired,” Whitmer said. Regional trendsThe region with the highest case rate is the Upper Peninsula, which is reporting 509 cases per million people per day. Khaldun said the region’s case rate has been increasing for nine straight weeks. The Jackson Region is seeing the lowest case rate at 193 cases per million people per day, as well as the lowest positivity rate, at 4.1%.

Gretchen Whitmer is pushing state lawmakers to approve a COVID-19 mask mandate to show bipartisan support for mask wearing across the state. READ: How COVID-19 is spreading in all 8 regions as Michigan’s statewide case rate soars“Fighting this virus needs to be a team sport,” Whitmer said. Regional trendsThe region with the highest case rate is the Upper Peninsula, which is reporting 509 cases per million people per day. Khaldun said the region’s case rate has been increasing for nine straight weeks. The Jackson Region is seeing the lowest case rate at 193 cases per million people per day, as well as the lowest positivity rate, at 4.1%.

A new study about mask wearing during the coronavirus pandemic found that masks don’t cause a person’s oxygen levels to drop. Mask use has become standard to curb the spread of COVID-19, but that’s led many people to question whether masks could cause harm. One common question has been whether masks might prevent someone from getting enough oxygen. The average oxygen saturation was 96% before, during and after mask use. COVID-19 timelineA new study published in the journal Nature used more than 10,000 plasma samples collected in New York City between February and July.

The ultraviolet light method is what officials at Henry Ford Health System have been studying. “Back in March, it was a pretty rough time for all of us,” said Dr. David Ozog, the chair of dermatology at the Henry Ford Health System. “Our department does a lot of ultraviolet light therapy, as do a lot of dermatology departments.”Using their expertise in ultraviolet light, they quickly determined UV-C lights could be used to kill SARS-CoV-2 on masks. “We started implementing these devices at Henry Ford,” Ozog said. “I had to be honest and say we really don’t know because we’ve never tested SARS-CoV-2,” Ozog said.

The director of the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention caught many people off guard when he said masks are more of a guarantee in the fight against the coronavirus (COVID-19) than a vaccine would be. “I might even go so far as to say that this face mask is more guaranteed to protect me against COVID-19 than when I take a COVID-19 vaccine,” Dr. Robert Redfield said. He was referring to the fact that experts don’t expect the COVID-19 vaccine to be 100% effective. Experts, including Redfield and Dr. Anthony Fauci, hope the vaccine will be at least 70% effective. “The immunogenicity may be 70%, and if I don’t get an immune response, the vaccine is not going to protect me,” Redfield said.

A business in Commerce Township is jumping in to help Detroit school students, donating 60,000 reusable masks. Fred Hajjar, of Mask Market, is working with the Detroit Public Schools Community District to make sure every student has a mask. Its a two ply mask, Hajjar said. Mask Market saved and raised $200,000 for the donation. Were donating masks, and this was an opportunity to give back to the community, Hajjar said.

DETROIT Delta Airlines showed off how the airline plans to keep passengers safe. Youll notice the differences at the airport as soon as you make your way through the sliding glass doors. Face masks are a must and if you dont have one, one will be provided. They must be worn in the airport and on board aircrafts. For a full look at the precautions Delta has put in place, watch Tim Pamplins full story above.

Gretchen Whitmer has signed an executive order requiring children and workers to wear face masks at Michigan childcare centers, camps and buses. All staff members and children ages 2 and older will now have to wear face coverings on school buses and other transportation. Staff members and children ages 4 and older have to wear face coverings in all indoor common spaces. Staff members and children ages 12 and old have to wear face coverings in classrooms, homes, cabins and similar indoor small group settings. Whitmer said she strongly encourages all children ages 2 and older to wear face coverings inside, though its not required by this executive order.

DETROIT Todd Benson and his family witnessed turbulence before their flight could even take off from Aruba to Atlanta. He was yelling, I have it on I have it on, and he was talking about his mask. The Delta flight attendant was requesting that he put it on properly, said Benson. RELATED: Passengers removed from Detroit plane for not wearing mask, flight delayedApparently this man was kicked off the plane following a meltdown -- all over being asked to correct his mask. RELATED: What Delta Airlines is doing to continue protecting passengers from COVID-19Its just a mask.

What Michigan restaurants can do to make sure masks are wornPublished: July 23, 2020, 4:15 pmIf you’ve been to a restaurant recently, you’ve seen fewer tables to accommodate social distancing and signs requiring patrons to wear masks -- but what do restaurant owners do if a guest doesn’t want to wear one?

Theres always going to be a challenge as someone that wants something beyond your capabilities, said David Krause. Were in this industry because we like doing things for others.Krause owns Adachi, located on Old Woodward Avenue in Birmingham. Like every other restaurant owner in Michigan, him and his staff have to ensure guests are wearing masks. Im empathetic to the fact that something is upsetting them and lets find a common space where where we can make you happy, Krause said. And you can make me happy by putting your mask on.

DETROIT A Delta flight from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport was delayed for about an hour Thursday when two people refused to wear a mask. RELATED: What Delta Airlines is doing to continue protecting passengers from COVID-19According to someone on the flight, the plane was taxiing and about to take off when two passengers refused to put their masks on. The plane turned around and the two passengers were removed from the flight. A representative with Delta Airlines said flight 1227 from Detroit to Atlanta had to return to the gate when two customers were not complying with crew instructions and were removed due to not following Deltas mask requirement.

DETROIT What is the correct way to wear a mask to prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19)? Many people wear it pulled down below their nose, but does that defeat the purpose of wearing a mask at all? Unfortunately, relative to spreading COVID-19, the nose also appears to be at an advantage over the mouth. A recent published study mapped locations in the respiratory tract where the virus most quickly invades, replicates and spreads. Researchers suggested based on their findings that the virus doesnt get to the lungs through the blood or by sequentially marching lower down the respiratory tract.

Gretchen Whitmer strengthened her mask rules Friday, but she also revealed the five exceptions that would allow someone to be inside businesses or public places without a mask. Children younger than five years oldChildren who are younger than five years old don’t have to follow the Michigan mask rules. Voting in electionResidents who go to a polling place for the purpose of voting in an election don’t have to wear masks. Mask order updateExecutive Order 2020-153 clarified Whitmer’s previous mask order. The order says public safety officers have to wear face coverings unless that would seriously interfere with doing their jobs.

Gretchen Whitmer strengthened her mask rules Friday, most notably saying that businesses can’t assume unmasked customers have medical justification for entering without a mask and must ask them to confirm. READ: Here are the 5 exceptions to Whitmer’s COVID-19 mask rulesExecutive Order 2020-153 clarified Whitmer’s previous mask order. The new order also requires public safety officers to wear face coverings unless that would seriously interfere with doing their jobs. “Wearing a mask is the right thing to do to protect our families, our businesses and our economy,” Whitmer said. Wearing a mask is a simple step that protects everyone.”Here are the five exceptions to Whitmer’s face covering rules:Children younger than five years old.

DETROIT – Many people have wondered just how effective cloth masks can really be against the coronavirus (COVID-19). Health officials are saying one hair salon demonstrates exactly how important they are in the fight. But the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention used a hair stylist at a Great Clips in Springfield, Missouri, in a published report. A second stylist also developed symptoms during that time and continued working until the coworker tested positive. The stylists and their clients were following city and company policy by wearing either cotton face masks or surgical-style masks.

LANSING, Mich. On a day when Michigan reported by far its most new coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in more than two months, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said spotty compliance with the rules has the state on track for more cases than the first peak in April. Michigan officials reported 891 new confirmed COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, which is the most daily cases since May 14. So, this is whats at stake.READ: Whitmer extends Michigan state of emergency until Aug. 11The very peak of Michigans daily cases came April 3, when the state reported 1,953 cases. Between March 30 and April 29 (31 days), Michigan had 20 days of more than 1,000 new cases.

Gretchen Whitmer said if the current trajectory of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases continues, the state will be moved back to phase three of her reopening plan, meaning parts of the economy that reopened within the last month would be shut down once again. RELATED: Whitmer warns spotty compliance has Michigan on track for more COVID-19 cases than first peakRight now we are trying to hold on to stay in phase four, Whitmer said. READ: Whitmer extends Michigan state of emergency until Aug. 11She said the next steps will be determined by what people do between now and when schools are scheduled to begin the fall semester -- 55 days away on Sept. 8. Whitmer moved the entire state to phase four on June 1 after it was stuck in phase three for more than three weeks -- since the MI Safe Start Plan was introduced May 7. Whitmers handling of pandemic :Reopening Michigan :Health questions, advice :Outbreaks :Unemployment :Individual stories :

LANSING, Mich. When asked about the violence over mask wearing in the state of Michigan, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said she cant pretend to understand why someone would resort to that over wearing a piece of cloth on your face.I cannot ever pretend that I understand someone who would become murderous over wearing a piece of cloth on your face, Whitmer said. On Tuesday, an unmasked Michigan man stabbed another customer at an Eaton County store during an argument over face coverings. Were asking people to do a simple act of wearing a piece of cloth on their face, alright? Whitmer said. Its the simple act of wearing a piece of cloth on your face when youre in a public space, or when youre outside but in a crowded space, Whitmer said.

LANSING, Mich. Why have the number of coronavirus (COVID-19) deaths in Michigan remained low while the daily cases steadily rise? While the 891 new confirmed cases marked by far the highest total in Michigan since May 14, only four additional deaths were reported. Were also seeing people who are younger -- so 20-29 is the age group that has the highest number of new cases, Khaldun said. During the first major surge of cases in Michigan, the death total showed that trend of lagging a couple of weeks behind the cases. Whitmers handling of pandemic :Reopening Michigan :Health questions, advice :Outbreaks :Unemployment :Individual stories :

DETROIT – Police around Metro Detroit said they have been flooded with calls from residents reporting others aren’t following Michigan Gov. When people aren’t seeing others wearing masks in public spaces, some are calling 911. “Nobody is social distancing and nobody’s wearing masks,” one caller said about a public park. “There are 100 people in the complex.”In Livingston County, police are getting several 911 calls from people reporting others violating the mask rules or being in businesses where nobody was wearing masks on Monday. “I could keep a staff of 10 (on the mask calls),” Murphy said.

DELTA TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A Michigan man who refused to wear a mask inside a store was later shot and killed by a deputy after he stabbed another customer during an argument about the mask issue, police said. Investigators said the argument happened around 6:45 a.m. Tuesday at the Quality Dairy store in Dimondale. The argument ended with a 77-year-old Lansing man suffering from stab wounds. The manager of the store said Sean Ernest Ruis, 43, of Grand Ledge, stabbed the 77-year-old man simply because he asked Ruis to put on a mask. Video shows Ruis walking toward the deputy, who said Ruis was armed with a knife.

Deputy fatally shoots Michigan man wanted for stabbing customer during mask argumentPublished: July 14, 2020, 5:13 pmA Michigan man who refused to wear a mask inside a store was later shot and killed by a deputy after he stabbed another customer during an argument about the mask issue, police said.

WASHTENAW COUNTY, Mich. – The Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office revealed how it plans to enforce Michigan Gov. Whitmer’s new orderWhitmer issued an executive order Friday that reiterates Michigan residents are required to wear face coverings whenever they are at an indoor public space. Any business that is open to the public must refuse entry or service to people who won’t wear a face covering, with limited exceptions. Washtenaw County enforcementOn Tuesday, the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office laid out its plan for enforcing the new mask rules. RELATED: How Wayne County Sheriff’s Office plans to enforce new mask rules“Our goal will be to gain compliance through education, offer a mask if available and, in rare circumstances, cite if absolutely necessary,” Clayton said.

WAYNE COUNTY, Mich. – The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office revealed how it plans to enforce Michigan Gov. Whitmer’s new orderWhitmer issued an executive order Friday that reiterates Michigan residents are required to wear face coverings whenever they are at an indoor public space. Wayne County enforcementOn Tuesday, the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office laid out its plan for enforcing the new mask rules. RELATED: How Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office plans to enforce new mask rulesIf deputies have to circle back to the person, group or business after the initial warning to readdress the requirements, a $500 ticket will be issued, the department announced. The Sheriff’s Office is assisting the Wayne County Health Department with these rules, because the Health Department is leading the enforcement effort, according to authorities.

DELTA TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A Michigan man who stabbed another customer at a convenience store during an argument over wearing a mask was later shot and killed when he pulled his knife on a deputy, Michigan State Police say. UPDATE: Deputy fatally shoots Michigan man wanted for stabbing customer during mask argumentThe incident happened around 6:45 a.m. Tuesday at the Quality Dairy store in Dimondale, according to authorities. Ruis was also refused service by the store because he wouldn’t wear a mask, officials said. Ruis pulled out a knife and stabbed the other man before fleeing the store, according to MSP. An Eaton County deputy saw Ruis at 7:13 a.m. on Jerryson Drive in Delta Township and initiated a traffic stop, officials said.

DETROIT Now that face coverings are a requirement in Michigan, more people are interested in whether face shields might be a suitable alternative to masks. Face coverings are widely accepted by the scientific community as one of the tools that decrease the transmission of the coronavirus (COVID-19). In certain cases, face shields might be acceptable. Researchers used a cough simulator and found that face shields reduced a persons exposure to large cough droplets by 96%. The bottom line is that if a person cant tolerate a mask or there is an important need to see someones facial expressions, face shields can be useful options.

The strict new rules are aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), but there are concerns that some businesses and residents wont obey. Haidar Koussan, the owner of Greenland Market in Dearborn said at first, customers didnt believe there was a dangerous virus going around. They would argue about wearing a mask, Koussan said. Though its far from perfect, the process of wearing masks and having businesses enforce the rule has to start at the front door. Some dont watch the news and some didnt know about masks, but participation was 100% on Monday, the owner said.

DETROIT A Metro Detroit woman who said she has passed out while wearing masks in three different stores says businesses are hesitant to believe she cant medically tolerate face coverings. I am OK -- I just cant breathe with a mask on.Businesses must now block anyone who isnt wearing a mask, but that doesnt include those who cannot medically tolerate a face covering. You dont need a note from your doctor, said Kimberly C. Woolridge, of the Michigan Department of Civil Rights. But if you cant tolerate a mask, Woolridge said the business might want to offer accommodations that keep you outside. Or they can just let them in if it is an issue that they just cant medically tolerate it, Woolridge said.

Gretchen Whitmer is threatening to impose stricter mask laws amid a spike in coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and mounting evidence that some residents aren’t taking precautions seriously. “We cannot afford to play fast and loose with the rules, and just look at what’s happening with Florida,” Whitmer said. If we let our guard down, we could see a rapid increase in cases in Michigan. For the sake of your loved ones, for the sake of our economy, please mask up when you go out. Whitmer’s handling of pandemic :Reopening Michigan :Health questions, advice :Unemployment :Personal stories :

Gretchen Whitmer is alarmed by Michigans coronavirus (COVID-19) numbers, saying the new positive cases are about three times what the state had a few weeks ago. She is redoubling her efforts to get Michiganders to wear masks and slow the spread of the coronavirus. Right now, Whitmer believes everything turns on the state being able to send children back to school in the fall. I am not announcing a step back today, Whitmer said. Even though the health department traced nearly 140 positive COVID-19 cases, theres actually good news, Whitmer said.

How can you make sure youre choosing the right kind of mask, especially when shopping online? Regardless of the materials used, getting a good fit is critical. If youre ordering online, McGeorge said its important to read the details carefully and do your homework on the seller. A good fit and comfort are essential factors for childrens masks, but dont overlook the importance of fashion. Experts said the right print or characters can make wearing a mask more appealing to children.

“One of the things they shouldn’t be doing, the general public, is going out and buying masks,” Adams said in March. But earlier this week, Adams said, “Please, please wear a face covering when you go out.”So what’s changed? “If you want college football in the fall, young people, please wear a face covering,” Adams said. “If you want prom next year, please wear a face covering. “The most important thing I would say to people is if you do go out to a gathering or in public, please wear a face covering,” Adams said.

DETROIT Public health officials strongly recommend using face coverings to slow the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), but not all masks are created equal. To demonstrate the differences between masks, researchers from the College of Engineering and Computer Science at Florida Atlantic University created a visual simulation. READ: How people ignoring safety measures, packing into bars has led to COVID-19 spikeResearchers werent trying to create the perfect model of droplet and aerosol spread through masks. They also showed the effect a light breeze had on the aerosol spread. A homemade stitched fabric mask did a much better job of reducing the amount of aerosol spread into the air.

Many are looking for ways to maximize their mask benefit and since the surface of copper is a known antimicrobial, can a copper-infused mask help? Thats where the idea that using copper fibers or infusing fabric with copper could improve a mask wearers protection. What about the things that get trapped in or on the mask -- could copper help there? Theres some fun science behind the idea of using a copper in a mask, but no evidence suggests it would be safer. Additionally, the primary purpose of a mask is to prevent the user from spreading their own germs, and a copper mask wont change that.

DETROIT Almost everyone in Michigan has worn a mask during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, but is there any truth to recent social media posts claiming people are getting sick due to wearing masks for an extended period of time? Social media claimsBut a post making the rounds on social media is claiming its dangerous to wear a mask. Dr. McGeorge put that claim to the test with the Trust Index. Gasses such as oxygen and carbon dioxide freely pass in and out of the masks, making any significant buildup of exhaled carbon dioxide impossible, Dr. McGeorge said. It does take a little while to get used to wearing a mask, but its not harmful.

An expert’s message to Michigan residents who still aren’t wearing masks in publicPublished: May 15, 2020, 5:49 pmHave you seen people out in public without wearing masks, even though almost everyone is wearing them and it’s required as part of Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s executive orders?

DETROIT Have you seen people out in public without wearing masks, even though almost everyone is wearing them and its required as part of Michigan Gov. They arent perfect, but masks are important in fighting the spread of the virus. Dr. Frank McGeorge relayed a message from a much older and wiser retired doctor to people who are still reluctant to wear masks. Dr. McGeorge said thats a message he wholeheartedly agrees with.Masks arent perfect. Masks arent an excuse to stop other important practices such as social distancing and washing your hands, though.

MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – A Macomb County woman who was asked to wear a mask inside a store due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) responded by attacking the employee and spitting on police officers, authorities said. Kristin Hoff, 33, of Roseville, entered Nino Salvaggio’s in St. Clair Shores on April 26 without wearing a mask, police said. A store employee asked Hoff to leave the store because entering without a mask was against Michigan Gov. “During this unprecedented time, we know tensions are running high," Acting Macomb County Prosecutor Jean Cloud said. "Patience and understanding are greatly encouraged as we all try our best to acclimate to the new and often-changing expectations.