Central Michigan District Health Department issues emergency order limiting gathering sizes
The Central Michigan District Health Department is issuing a public health emergency order limiting the size of outdoor gatherings.
According to a press release from the health department, gatherings are being limited to 25 people from the previous 100. The order will take effect on Aug. 24 at 8 p.m., it will remain in effect until it is amended or rescinded, and it applies to Mount Pleasant and Union Township.
This comes after a recent spike in COVID-19 cases on campus and in the county. An active Welcome Weekend and a large party on Thursday that drew more than 100 people were both seen since classes began last week.
The department’s Emergency Preparedness Coordinator Melissa DeRoche said the department's investigations found that many individuals who tested positive either live with several roommates or attended large social gatherings.
“We have seen a large increase in cases since students returned to the Mount Pleasant area,” CMDHD health officer Steve Hall said in the press release. “Our investigations have shown that the majority of these cases had attended large social gatherings. Restrictions on the size of outdoor gatherings, along with other preventive measures will help us reduce the spread of this virus.”
In response to the spike in cases, Central Michigan President Bob Davies sent an email to students and staff on Aug. 24 stating that Greek organizations have to suspend all in-person activities. The university will also be working with landlords and apartment complex managers to enforce limits on gatherings and fining, even suspending, students who host and attend large gatherings.
