DETROIT – In a press conference Thursday, Local 4′s Rod Meloni asked what information was being used to support the determination that masks would be required for student athletes on the field. It’s important to change out masks for a fresh one when sensible, or to use a fabric that wicks moisture and dries quickly. Executive Order 180 requires face coverings to be worn by student athletes when actively participating, except during cross country, golf, tennis, swimming and diving. This includes all times during active participation and all times during non-active participation when six feet of physical distance cannot be maintained. Face coverings must be worn by coaches, medical staff, game event staff, members of the media and spectators.

GROSSE POINTE, Mich. – With fall sports back on track, players and coaches are adjusting to wearing masks while playing after an Executive Order mandated masks be worn during play. Gretchen Whitmer almost a week after she allowed contact sports to resume practices this week and games starting next week. Maccagone said his biggest issue was what to do with his mouth guard, which attaches to his helmet face mask. In response to the mask mandate, members of the group, Let Them Play, started a petition, calling the masks during play “incredibly dangerous” and want the order removed. Whitmer took questions Thursday about the mask order including which science she was using to back up the order.

Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive order Wednesday in regards to face coverings for organized sports. The COVID-19 virus is easily spread through airborne particles and can affect everyone differently. Gyms reopened Wednesday with restrictions that gym goers must wear a face covering at all times, including during exercise, and create workout stations or implement protocols to allow six feet of distance between everyone inside. "Since contact sports pose a high risk of transmitting COVID-19, MDHHS recommends that people should choose to avoid them. MDHHS' guidance recommends mitigation measures organized sports teams may take to reduce the spread of COVID-19 during training, practices, and competitions.