VIEW THE EMERGENCY ORDER (PDF)

Lenawee County Health Department Issues Emergency Order

Restricting Outdoor Gatherings in Adrian Township, Madison Township, the City Of Adrian,  Michigan and Other College Owned/Controlled Properties

Outdoor social gatherings or events now limited to no more than 25 people 

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 is issuing 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  The  order  takes  effect  on September 3, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. and will remain in effect until amended or rescinded.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.