Adrian, MI – In response to outbreaks, defined as two or more epidemiologically linked cases, of COVID‐19 at both Adrian College and Siena Heights University, the Lenawee County Health Department has issued an emergency order to limit the size of social gatherings or events within Adrian Township, Madison Township, the City of Adrian and all college owned/controlled properties. No more than 25 people may gather at outdoor events.
The local order enhances existing state orders and further restricts social gatherings in areas at increased risk for COVID‐19 outbreaks. The order takes effect on September 3, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. and will remain in effect until amended or rescinded.
“There has been a large increase in cases since students returned to colleges and universities in Lenawee County. Adrian College has reported 152 COVID‐19 cases, with 138 of those cases being active cases. Siena Heights University has reported two positive cases; both active cases. As of September 3, 2020, Lenawee County has reported a total of 613 confirmed cases of COVID‐19, an increase of 34 from the day prior. In the month of August, there was a 182% increase in confirmed COVID‐19 cases among 18‐24 year‐olds in Lenawee County; compared to a 51% increase among all age groups during the same time period. Large social gatherings have demonstrated an increased public health risk with potential for further disease transmission. Restrictions on the size of outdoor gatherings, along with other prevention strategies, will help reduce the spread of the virus in the community.” said Martha Hall, R.S., M.P.H., Health Officer for the Lenawee County Health Department.
The local order reduces the size of allowable outdoor social gatherings from 100 down to 25. Indoor gatherings remain limited to 10 or fewer people not of the same household, as per Michigan Executive Order 2020‐160. At any gathering or event, inside or out, individuals not living in the same household should keep a minimum of 6 feet distance from one another. Face coverings continue to be required in indoor public settings and any crowded outdoor setting where individuals are unable to consistently maintain 6 feet of distance under Executive Order 2020‐153.
Additionally, based on their significant number of COVID positive staff and students, the Health Department has made the following recommendations to Adrian College:
- Adjust student housing as necessary to properly isolate COVID‐19 positive students
separate from students who have not tested positive. - Suspend all in‐person classes for a two‐week period, only allowing in‐person instruction for
the lab portion of classes by appointment, to allow for proper social distancing. - Suspend all group sports practices, conditioning activities and other group activities for a
two‐week period. - Suspend use of indoor dining areas and increase availability of take‐out and delivery options
using a model where students can properly social distance. - Close all common areas for a two‐week period and close the Merillat Fitness Center,
Arrington Ice Arena, indoor gyms per Executive Order 2020‐160. - Continue to enforce requirements to wear face coverings, maintain 6 feet of distance from
others, limit gatherings and continue prevention messaging regarding hand washing.
The Lenawee County Health Department will continue to monitor the outbreak and make recommendations regarding resumption of activities after the two‐week period and will continue to use the authority of the Michigan Public Health Code to control the spread of the virus in our community.
State law provides local health officers with the authority to issue orders to protect the public health under Section 2453 of the Public Health Code (MCL 333.2453). Those who disregard the order could be subject to a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than six months and/or a fine of up to $200.
Information regarding the local emergency order, as well as case and testing information, can be found at www.lenawee.mi.us. Health Department staff are available to answer questions Monday through Friday, 8am to 4:30pm by calling (517) 264‐5226, option 5.
The order is effective immediately and there is no set expiration date.
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*Information in this post is from the Lenawee County Health Department*