Wayne County health officials issued a new emergency order Friday that outlines updates to emergency public health orders issued last week amid the coronavirus pandemic. Wayne County Public Health Officer Carol Austerberry issued an emergency epidemic order Friday that mimics coronavirus restrictions established in a statewide emergency health order issued by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) on Oct. 9. “These orders are science-based measures intended to keep Wayne County residents safe and healthy during the pandemic. Businesses under the jurisdiction of the county’s health department are also required to continue screening employees for COVID-19 symptoms. Orders issued by the Wayne County Health Department are not in effect in the city of Detroit, as the city is governed by its own health department.

The Wayne County Health Department issued an emergency public health order on Oct. 8 requiring residents to continue taking steps to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Wayne County officials say requirements listed in Thursday’s order essentially carry on health and safety precautions previously ordered by Michigan Gov. The Wayne County Health Department is reinforcing these measures by deeming them active and enforceable in the county through their own emergency order. Officials say schools under the jurisdiction of the Wayne County Health Department are also required to continue following the state’s Return to School plan. Wayne County officials say the emergency order is effective immediately and is expected to remain in effect until at least Oct. 23.