AAPS is recommending all students, teachers and staff wear face masks for two weeks following winter break.

As COVID cases continue to fall, mask mandates are being lifted. Some people want to know where they should still wear masks and where it’s OK to take them off.

The time has officially come for some districts to finally remove the mask from the classroom setting as more and more counties adhere to new CDC recommendations.

Northville Public Schools held a special board meeting Monday (Feb. 21) night about its mask mandate, voting to make masks optional for students and staff.

Health officials in Wayne County announced that it expects to end its emergency order requiring masks in schools by Feb. 28.

President Joe Biden is expected to announce information about his plan to send high-quality masks to Americans for free.

Our Dr. Frank McGeorge, MD, has been answering questions about COVID-19, the vaccines and masks since this pandemic started.

Michigan health officials are recommending anyone above the age of 2 to wear a face mask while gathering indoors during the holiday season as the state battles the worst coronavirus spread in the nation.

Grosse Pointe Public Schools is debating whether to lift its mask mandate.

The controversy has made things even more difficult for health officials trying to stop the spread.

The controversy has made things even more difficult for health officials trying to stop the spread.

A new poll from the Detroit Regional Chamber shows that Michigan residents are deeply divided when it comes to the idea of COVID vaccine mandates.

A debate over if masks should be required in schools or not is dividing school districts, communities and even families.

Tuesday marks the return to school for thousands of children in Macomb County. Unlike neighboring Oakland and Wayne counties, there is no countywide mask mandate. Most districts have decided to make masks optional.

A newspaper reporter says he was punched in the face while covering an anti-mask event near Traverse City.

Parents organizing in the Romeo School District in Macomb County said they are putting pressure on decision makers to mandate masks in schools.

A group of parents in Macomb County are demanding that school and health officials enact a schools mask mandate to help stop the spread of COVID-19 when students and teachers return to in-person classes this fall.

A group of parents in Macomb County are demanding that school and health officials enact a schools mask mandate to help stop the spread of COVID-19 when students and teachers return to in-person classes this fall.

Michigan is allowing individual districts and county health departments to make mask policy -- a move education groups call a cop out.

“Because many students have yet to be vaccinated and students under age 12 are not yet eligible, layered prevention measures, including universal masking, must be put in place for consistent in-person learning to keep kids, staff and families safe,” reads a MDHHS release.

Michigan health officials are strongly recommending schools to require universal masking when students return for in-person learning.

The Genesee County Health Department issued a public health order requiring masks be worn by students and teachers in kindergarten through 6th grade.

There is a sign out front of the Michigan First Credit Union in Eastpointe is asking people not to wear a mask.

Beaumont Health provided an update to reinforce what other healthcare institutions and public health officials have said about using masks to protect against COVID as students prepare to head back into the classroom.

The decision by the Grosse Pointe Public Schools to start the school year with masks optional has parents divided.

In some states, Monday (Aug. 9) is the first day of school. Students and parents are facing policies that vary between school districts.

“We’re teaching them something that honestly just breaks my heart, that we don’t have responsibility to care for and about one another,” Eisenberg said.

“We’re teaching them something that honestly just breaks my heart, that we don’t have responsibility to care for and about one another,” Eisenberg said.

Some Metro Detroit school districts claim to be consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state guidelines, but don’t appear to be.

Officials aren’t issuing mask mandates despite the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidance that fully vaccinated people should still wear masks indoors.

Circumstances affecting Michigan’s ability to adequately respond to a COVID-19 outbreak have placed the state at a “high” vulnerability, according to a national COVID vulnerability index.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that everyone over the age of 2 wear masks in school even if they are vaccinated.

The mask mandate has been lifted for fully vaccinated people in Michigan, but businesses can still choose to enforce a mask policy.

Nurses are pushing back on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention saying it is just way too soon to relax mask wearing guidance.

There is no way to tell who is vaccinated and who is not, which puts Michigan residents on an honor system. A University of Michigan researcher spoke with Local 4 about how to make the right choice and trust people around you are doing the same.

As of Saturday, Michigan lifted mask requirements for most indoor and outdoor settings for fully vaccinated residents. The move matches newly issued guidance from the CDC.

The mask mandate in Michigan is now lifted, which those who are fully vaccinated don’t have to wear a mask outside or inside.

Michigan will be following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance and lift the mask mandate for those who are fully vaccinated starting Saturday, May 15.

Children under 12 aren’t eligible to get vaccinated and likely won’t be able to receive the shot for several months. That means families are facing a lot of difficult decisions about what’s safe and what isn’t.

The news from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and now Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s office spread quickly across Metro Detroit on Friday.

“I want to be clear. Masks are still an important tool to keep yourself, your family and the most vulnerable among us safe, especially indoors,” Whitmer said. “It’s how we keep people safe.”

The state is easing some of the requirements -- especially for those who are outside and vaccinated.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced Tuesday that masks will generally not be required at outdoor gatherings that has less than 100 people.

The most effective way to stop the spread of coronavirus is wearing a mask, but you may have noticed it can be more difficult to communicate with each other when our mouths behind one.

Attorneys for Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s administration are defending coronavirus tests for young athletes.

U.S. health officials say Americans who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 don’t need to wear masks outdoors unless they are in a big crowd of strangers.

WDIV/Local 4′s morning anchor and Detroit Public Schools honorary alumni Evrod Cassimy has partnered with the Detroit Public Schools Foundation (DPSFDN) on the launch of his new single “Good Enough.”

That’s on top of the nearly $200 million for virus genome sequencing, which is critical for tracking new variants of the virus. Dr. Anthony Fauci said there are two studies that are pointing in a favorable direcion. If found higher amounts of the virus in the nose was linked to a greater ability to spread the virus. “In other words, higher viral load, good transmissibility; low viral load, very poor transmissibility.”So people who are fully vaccinated have less virus in their nose. Ad“When your turn to get vaccinated comes up, get vaccinated,” Fauci said.

The CDC tested two different mask modifications -- putting a three-layered cloth mask over a surgical mask and “knotting and tucking,” where someone knots the ear loops of a surgical mask and tuck in the excess material to reduce the gaps on the side of the face. AdCDC director Dr. Rochelle Walensky discussed the new research designed to evaluate different strategies to improve masks’ ability to block particles. Putting a cloth mask over the surgical mask and knotting and tucking the mask both boosted protection. “Based on this new information, the CDC is updating the mask information for the public on the CDC website to provide new options on how to improve mask fit,” Walensky said. The new options include wearing a mask with a moldable nose wire or wearing a cloth mask over a surgical mask.

Tony Evers' mask mandate, a move that would jeopardize more than $49 million in federal food assistance. Tony Evers issued a new statewide mask order on Thursday, an hour after the Republican-controlled Legislature voted to repeal his previous mandate saying he didn't have authority to make such a decree. Republicans, who control both chambers, argued that Evers exceeded his authority by repeatedly extending the mask mandate without legislative approval. All of Wisconsin’s neighboring states have some form of mask mandate, according to the National Academy for State Health Policy. Federal law requires there to be an emergency health order in place to receive the money.

Masks will be available for those who were able to reserve masks ahead of time for this date. The Washtenaw County Health Department will be giving away free KN95 adult masks and children’s masks at two upcoming events. Adult KN95 masks and single-use children’s mask packs will be available for pick up. Adult masks come in sealed packs of five and children’s masks come in sealed packs of 10. “Reduce your risk of being exposed to COVID-19 by wearing a mask when out in public.”The website to reserve masks has been disabled.

DETROIT – As concern grows over the new and more contagious COVID-19 variant experts are urging Americans to upgrade their masks or consider double masking especially in higher risk situations. Health experts warn the new COVID-19 variant could become the dominant strain by March. We should be getting higher quality masks and people should be wearing higher quality masks, more or less right away,” said Ashish Jha, a public health expert. Experts now say the next best thing may be double masking. If you’re going to double mask, experts say you want to make sure the higher quality mask is closest to your face, then layer the additional mask over that making sure you have a snug fit over your mouth and nose.

DETROIT – Michigan health officials released some guidance on wearing masks -- specifically wearing the right types of masks -- to be sure you’re getting enough protection. MDHHS launched a new campaign on Tuesday called “Mask Up, Mask Right,” aimed at educating the public on the best types of masks to wear while in public. “It’s important to wear the right mask and wear it the right way. It also includes wearing the approved mask correctly and having it secured over the nose and face and tightly fitting without gaps. Mask Up, Mask Right.

It also includes wearing the approved mask correctly and having it secured over the nose and face and tightly fitting without gaps. DETROIT – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is launching an initiative to not only get Michiganders to mask up, but to mask right. “The science is now settled: Masks protect others from COVID – and they protect the wearer,” said Robert Gordon, MDHHS director. “It’s important to wear the right mask and wear it the right way. It also includes wearing the approved mask correctly and having it secured over the nose and face and tightly fitting without gaps.

Under new restrictions issued Sunday evening by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), here’s what is closed starting Wednesday, Nov. 18 until Dec. 8 in Michigan. Hair salons, barber shops, other personal services (Per the MDHHS order -- Section 4.e. : In facilities offering non-essential personal care services, including hair, nail, tanning, massage, traditional spa, tattoo, body art, and piercing services, and similar personal care services, gatherings are only. (MDHHS)Face mask requirementUnder this MDHHS epidemic order, all persons participating in gatherings are required to wear a face mask. Again, this order takes effect on November 18, 2020 at 12:01 AM, at which time the October 29, 2020, order entitled Gatherings and Face Mask Order is rescinded, the state says.

ANN ARBOR – Michigan Medicine has partnered with about 100 of the country’s top health care systems urging Americans to mask up as COVID-19 cases reach record-breaking highs. Over the past two weeks, more than 900 medical workers at Mayo Clinic tested positive for COVID-19. The message reads:“As the top nationally-ranked hospitals, we know it’s tough that we all need to do our part and keep wearing masks. However now is exactly the wrong time to let up,” Marschall S. Runge, CEO of Michigan Medicine and dean of the U-M Medical School said in a statement. “But for now, we have to use the tools that we know work: wearing masks, staying socially distant and washing hands.

Why is Michigan shutting down indoor dining at restaurants for three weeks even though there aren’t as many outbreaks linked to restaurants compared to other activities? From Wednesday (Nov. 18) through Dec. 8, Michiganders will only be able to order takeout from restaurants, unless outdoor seating is available. Gretchen Whitmer was asked the following question Sunday when she announced the Michigan Department of Health and Human Service’s new COVID-19 rules. “Restaurants and bars were able at least to mitigate some difficulties earlier in the year with outdoor dining. “That’s why this activity, like the others that are being addressed, fell into this category.”Whitmer said shutting down indoor dining at restaurants is among the actions health experts recommended to slow the spread of COVID-19.

In the outbreak on the USS Theodore Roosevelt -- a close quarters, high-risk environment -- wearing a mask reduced the risk of becoming infected by 70%. The benefits of wearing masks really highlight the risks of getting together with others to eat and drink when you can’t wear a mask. Likewise small gatherings can pose a big risk because people are less likely to wear a mask around people they know well. The c-d-c has been late to support universal mask wearing. The delay the CDC had in supporting universal mask wearing helped the virus spread, but we can change that now.

PORT HURON, Mich. – The St. Clair County Health Department has identified Roche Bar, located at 405 Quay Street in Port Huron, as a potential coronavirus exposure site after an employee tested positive. RELATED: Tracking the trends of how COVID-19 is spreadOfficials urge anyone who has visited Roche Bar between Oct. 17 and Oct. 25 to monitor for symptoms over the next 14 days and to seek testing. Patrons should take precautions to avoid transmitting COVID-19 to others. The health department listed the following steps to protect others:Wearing a mask or face covering when in public spacesPracticing social distancing- 6 feet or more away from othersAvoiding large gatheringsStaying home when you are sickAnyone who believes they might have coronavirus should follow the CDC guidelines. Michigan.gov has a list of resources available to those concerned about COVID-19.

LIVONIA, Mich. – A store security guard was charged with assault and it appears it may not be an isolated incident. It’s the same security guard who was involved in an incident Aug. 8, in which a customer at a Menards store said his leg was broken over a dispute over wearing a mask. He said he could have been seriously hurt when he was thrown into the air and onto the floor by a security guard at the Livonia Menards. He said the security guard cursed at him for trying to exit through the entrance. RELATED: Man says Menards security guard in Livonia broke his leg for not wearing mask despite medical reason“What was Menards thinking keeping him there?"

ANN ARBOR – In a statement issued Tuesday following the announcement that all undergraduate students at the University of Michigan must stay-in-place for 14 days, university President Mark Schlissel said that the majority of COVID-19 cases on campus were linked to social gatherings. “Most of the cases on our campus can be traced back to small- and medium-size gatherings without appropriate face coverings and social distancing,” Schlissel said in the statement. According to school and county health authorities, the measure was taken since most students in the residence hall skipped mandatory COVID-19 testing. The emergency order comes just as U-M rolled out its voluntary asymptomatic saliva-based testing program for all members of its community. As things stand, opponent Minnesota has already announced that it will have several players unavailable on Saturday due to COVID-19.

Here’s a quick refresher on what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says about wearing face masks to help stop the spread of the coronavirus and the disease it causes, COVID-19. Read more: CDC Updates “How COVID is Spread” WebpageThe CDC recommended that all Americans wear a cloth mask over their face to mitigate the spread of coronavirus. Updated guidelines for face masksOn Aug. 27, the CDC released updated guidelines for selecting, wearing and cleaning face masks for the coronavirus pandemic. The CDC continues to stress you wear masks in public settings “around people who don’t live in your household and when you can’t stay 6 feet away from others.” Masks help stop the spread of COVID-19 to others, the CDC maintains. The CDC do’s and don’ts over selecting the proper face mask (CDC)Find the CDC’s complete face masks recommendations/guidelines here.

LIVONIA, Mich. – The case of an alleged assault over a mask mandate that occurred at a Menards store in Livonia has been dismissed. Though he was the one charged, Blake claims that a Menards security guard broke his leg for not wearing a mask into the Livonia store, despite having a medical reason not to wear one. Blake says on August 8 the security guard broke his leg during a takedown after notifying him that he had to wear a mask in the store. The customer said he tried to explain to the security guard that he had a health issue, but couldn’t get a word in before the guard got in his face. The security guard told police that he informed Blake of the policy, but Blake said that was not true.

DETROIT – Not all masks are created equal, especially when it comes to preventing the spread of COVID-19. Dr. Kristin Englund from the Cleveland Clinic said it’s important to remember only certain masks are proven effective in reducing coronavirus spread. READ: Michigan lawmakers approve COVID-19 response plan“We know that cloth masks that have two layers of cloth are the best way to protect yourself when you’re out trick-or-treating. Try to find some cloth that matches your costume and make your own masks,” she said. Surgical and cloth masks are often worn to help prevent COVID-19.

LIVONIA, Mich. – A man claims a security guard at Menards in Livonia broke his leg during a takedown for not wearing a mask even though he had a medical reason for not doing so. Blake said a security guard at the Livonia Menards location broke his leg Aug. 8 during a takedown. Blake said the security guard told him he had to wear a mask and pointed at a sign. The security guard told police he informed Blake of the policy. Attorney Greg Rohl, who is representing Blake, said the security guard was the aggressor.

If a driver reports to Uber that a rider wasn’t wearing a mask, that rider will be required to take a selfie with their face covered before they can take another trip with Uber. “We believe accountability is a two-way street and have implemented policies and built technology to promote shared accountability and mutual respect. In May, we announced that all users (riders, drivers and delivery people) are required to wear a mask or face cover during a trip,” said Navideh Forghani, with Uber. Uber officials said more than 1,250 riders have had their access to the Uber app removed after multiple reports from drivers that they hadn’t been wearing a mask. Since May, drivers and delivery people have been required to take a selfie to verify that they’re wearing a mask before they can start using the app to drive.

Gretchen Whitmer late Wednesday clarified her order requiring masks in organized sports, saying they must be worn in training and competition only when athletes cannot consistently keep 6 feet apart. The measure explicitly mentions football, soccer and volleyball as sports where face coverings are a must due to the coronavirus pandemic. But it also now exempts sports in which athletes can keep distance except for occasional and fleeting moments such as tennis, golf, cross country, baseball and softball. Earlier this week, state House Speaker Lee Chatfield, a Republican, criticized requiring children participating in outdoor sports to wear face coverings. Whitmer, in a statement, said the virus is easily spread through airborne particles and can affect everyone differently.

Whether you like it or not, wearing a face mask in public has become the new norm when it comes to protecting yourself and others from COVID-19. Disposable face masks work great, but with no design whatsoever. (Whiskey and Zen/Etsy)Who wouldn’t love a face mask from the Rose Apothecary in Schitt’s Creek? This face mask hopefully will give people at the grocery store a chuckle. Wear a face mask around your friends and family to protect them from COVID-19, plus make some people smile with this “Golden Girls” tribute.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released updated guidelines for selecting, wearing and cleaning face masks for the coronavirus pandemic. The update was released Aug. 27. The CDC continues to recommend that you wear masks in public settings “around people who don’t live in your household and when you can’t stay 6 feet away from others.” Masks help stop the spread of COVID-19 to others, the CDC maintains. In Michigan, it has been the law to wear masks in public buildings and spaces since the governor’s order was issued in July. Find the CDC’s complete face masks recommendations/guidelines here.

This image is protected by copyright but provided for public relations, editorial and so)DETROIT General Motors is donating 2 million face masks to Michigan public schools, the automaker announced Tuesday. The donation is part of the states MI Mask Aid partnership announced by Gov. This is great news for our students, educators and support staff who need access to face masks to protect themselves and their families. View: CDCs guide to wearing face masks properlyGM started producing face masks back in March when the pandemic hit Michigan. The companys Warren facility has two production lines for face masks and a third line making N95 face respirators.

Wearing a mask out in public to help stop the spread of COVID-19 is just another sign of the times these days, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with it. StyleWise style editor Jon Jordan thinks this is a perfect time to up your fashion game and get creative when it comes to wearing a face covering, and most importantly, to make it easy when making your own face mask. Jordan suggest glamming up plain old black or white masks with something a little bit more exciting. As for a black mask, try embellishing it with a few rhinestones or jewels. Don’t go overboard with them, but a few could really make a black mask pop in the light.

HIGHLAND PARK, Mich. Video captured a man trash Azzos Liquor in Highland Park after the store owner claims he was turned away for not wearing a mask Sunday. The surveillance video captures a man in a white shirt holding a bag over his mouth. When he approaches the counter, the owner turns the man away for not wearing a real mask and the man angrily storms out of the store. If youre against wearing a mask, dont take it out on a store. The mask order is still in place for anyone indoors and the fine for not wearing a mask is $500.

DETROIT – Researchers are learning more about what makes a cloth mask more effective against the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). A new study in the medical journal, Thorax, indicates that layers are essential and that having at least two is better than one layer. Researchers in Australia tested the effectiveness of the CDC recommended one or two layer cloth mask coverings and a three-ply surgical mask. Based on their tests, the researchers said homemade masks should contain multiple layers. Another way to improve a cloth mask is to select one with a pocket that can hold a filter.

EATON COUNTY, Mich. – Local 4 Defenders obtained a recording of the 911 call that led to a deadly confrontation Tuesday in the Lansing area between a sheriff’s deputy and a man armed with a knife. The armed man is accused of stabbing a customer at a Quality Dairy store in Dimondale during an argument over wearing a mask. “A customer just stabbed another customer over a mask and then took off out of the parking lot,” the clerk told 911. Whitmer can’t understand violence ‘over wearing piece of cloth on your face’An Eaton County Sheriff’s deputy found Ruis and initiate a traffic stop. The clerk told dispatch the man was stabbed in the neck repeatedly.

Gretchen Whitmers recent Executive Order requires face masks in public places. Executive Order 2020-147 said that individuals are required to wear a face covering whenever they are in an indoor public space. Retailers like Walmart have a lot of influence on customers across the country as we deal with safety precautions amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. READ: Michigan businesses required to enforce new mask mandateWalmart and Sams Club are requiring customers to wear masks. The rule goes into effect on Monday at 5,000 Walmart and Sams Club locations nationwide.

“I told him smiling is a part of our uniform and I want to make my customers happy in these hard times. And we have deaf customers. “All other customers are so happy to see my smile and (they’re) giving so many compliments.”Now, back to the letter. As happy as Knowles felt being able to better communicate with customers, it had nothing on what Travers wrote on her behalf to Publix management. Asli texted, ‘I like to smile and I think this pandemic is making everyone upset and I want to make customers happy with my smile.

DETROIT Some people are reporting having skin issues that could be linked to the frequent use of masks amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Medical experts all agree wearing a mask is critically important, but wearing a mask -- especially the same one over and over -- can create skin issues. The best advice is to clean your mask. If you cant do that regularly, wear a disposable mask and see your doctor if your skin issue becomes a real problem. You can watch Hank Winchesters full story in the video posted above.

Travelers wear mask as they wait at the American Airlines ticket counter in Terminal 3 at O'Hare International Airport Tuesday, June 16, 2020, in Chicago. Beginning June 16 at American Airlines and June 18 at United Airlines, all passengers and crew members will be required to wear masks to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Most of us have accepted the fact that some form of face coverings will be around for the foreseeable future. But have you noticed your breath doesnt smell that fresh behind your mask? Hes our medical expert and an emergency room doctor, and hell explain exactly whats to blame. Hell show you how to make it much better so you can tolerate those times when you need to wear your mask. Watch his report tomorrow (Wednesday, June 24) on Local 4 News Today at 6 a.m.

When do you need to wear a mask outdoors? Published: May 25, 2020, 4:10 pmA closer look at when you need to wear a mask outdoors

How to help you children feel more comfortable wearing a maskPublished: May 14, 2020, 6:01 pmWearing masks in public is the new normal for all of us and it can take some getting used to.