Sturgis-Coldwater News

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently issued a new executive order to clarify her previous order and reinforce that even athletes performing strenuous activity on large, outdoor athletic fields in later-summer heat will have to wear masks at all times, doubling down in response to criticism about Executive Order 2020-176.

Among the critics who disagreed with Whitmer’s latest ruling, Rep. Aaron Miller (R-Sturgis) added his voice to those decrying what they say is a senseless provision, according to the Michigan House Republicans website.

“Requiring masks for competing athletes across the board is senseless," Miller said, according to Michigan House Republicans. “I would like to know what data the governor believes supports the notion that masks are necessary in athletics, especially to protect those competing in sports where athletes are already physically distanced from one another, such as golf, tennis or cross-country.”

Rep. Aaron Miller | Michigan House Republicans

In addition to the burden placed on athletes, Miller pointed out that the sweat from intense physical activity can soak through masks, preventing them from having any prophylactic effect.

Miller also pointed out the continued lack of consistency from Whitmer’s previous orders.

“I also question why sports that are played outdoors should require a mask,” he told Michigan House Republicans. “Kids playing soccer in their neighborhood parks aren’t required to wear masks, but students playing in a school soccer league are.”

Miller said that Michigan’s schools and the governing bodies they have appointed to organize and oversee inter-school athletics are capable of implementing plans to keep children safe from COVID-19, just as they are entrusted to keep those children safe from any other threat.

“This mandate, like so many others by our governor, is politically motivated and not made in the best interest of Michigan’s young people whatsoever,” Miller said, according to Michigan House Republicans.