Now that the countywide school mask order in Berrien County has been rescinded, what’s next? Berrien County Health Department spokesperson Gillian Conrad tells us the order was lifted after the governor signed a budget bill that would cut funding for health departments that issue mask orders. The governor said the language was unconstitutional, but that isn’t decided by her. Conrad says the question is now for the courts.
“There are a lot of moving pieces throughout the state of Michigan at this time, and health departments are waiting to see whether any further, stronger statements are issued by the Attorney General’s office, or if this is brought in front of a judge who might deem this language to be truly unconstitutional,” Conrad said.
Conrad says local school districts can issue their own mask orders. Since the mask rule was lifted, she says the department has heard from many parents.
“So far, we have heard from a lot of parents who are very sad that this action was taken and we share their sadness.”
Conrad says if a court deems the budget language striping health departments of funding unconstitutional, the Berrien County Health Department would look at putting its mask order in place. Part of the reason the department lifted its order Wednesday was a court hearing on a lawsuit seeking an injunction against the order was set for Thursday. Once the department lifted its order, the lawsuit became moot. Those who filed it could still go after local school districts that have mask orders.
