Sturgis-Coldwater News

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is directing alleged violations of its Thanksgiving gatherings order to local health and law enforcement departments.

“The first remediation method is to discuss the situation with the person responsible for the violation and attempt to resolve the situation without issuing a citation,” MDHHS Spokeswoman Lynn Sutfin said in an email to Michigan Capitol Confidential. “The local health department or MDHHS -- as a referral from the Michigan State Police -- may issue an administrative citation for violating the department’s order. The department hopes that residents will do the right thing and follow these orders to save lives and protect their family, friends and community from further spread of COVID-19.”

The Gatherings and Face Mask Order limits indoor residential gatherings to no more than 10 people and only two households. Individuals who are not part of the same household must maintain a distance of 6 feet from others. The order went into effect on Nov. 18 and will remain in effect through Tuesday, Dec. 8.

“COVID-19 is impacting every area of our state,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy director for health at MDHHS, according to Michigan.gov. “Our health care systems are becoming overwhelmed, and our contact tracers cannot keep up. If we do not act now, we risk thousands more deaths, and even more people having long-term health consequences. The actions we are taking today are the best opportunity we have to get this virus under control.”

While MDHHS will rely on individuals to report violations of the order, Michigan State Police doesn’t expect to issue a lot of tickets or make arrests. 

“It’s difficult right now because people want to see family members,” Michigan State Police Lt. Liz Rich told ABC12 News.“We are going to take the opportunity to educate them and look for voluntary compliance.”