No more than 15 people may gather outdoors in parts of East Lansing, including downtown, following an emergency order issued last week by Ingham County Health Officer Linda Vail.
The order is set to remain in place indefinitely, building on the latest epidemic orders from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services that already restrict outdoor gatherings to 50 people or fewer elsewhere. State orders also restrict indoor gatherings to no more than 15 people from no more than three households through at least April 19.
“COVID-19 cases are decreasing, but we are still seeing higher numbers in certain areas of East Lansing. With sports and Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations on the horizon, it is critical to keep social gatherings small,” Vail announced. “We are making excellent progress in fighting COVID-19 but do not want to take steps backward.”
The restrictions stretch from the northern edge of Michigan State University to Burcham Drive, bounded by Harrison Road to the west and Hagadorn Road to the east, including adjacent properties. The area — which encompasses mostly student rental properties — was identified, in part, because of a high frequency of noise ordinance violations tied to large house parties.
Vail said the restricted area also had the highest concentration of new cases in the last month. Violations are punishable by a misdemeanor, including up to six months in jail and a $200 fine. Call 517-351-4220 to report social gatherings that exceed public health order limitations.
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State officials expanded vaccine eligibility this week to include residents age 50 and older with medical conditions or disabilities, as well as caregiver family members and guardians who care for children with special health care needs. Beginning on March 22, vaccine eligibility is set to expand again to include all residents age 50 and older. The end goal: Vaccine 70% of adults.
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