Editor’s note: This oped is signed by 15 of Michigan’s top public health experts.

On March 10, the first case of COVID-19 was officially diagnosed in Michigan. Within weeks, we were one of the top hotspots in the nation in cases, hospitalizations and deaths. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer responded quickly and forcefully with a number of emergency orders. However, on Oct. 2 — after 126,000 more cases and nearly 6,800 deaths — the Michigan Supreme Court ruled in a split decision that Whitmer did not have the ongoing authority to issue executive orders addressing COVID-19 under a 1945 law dealing with state emergencies.

When this ruling goes into effect, the Michigan Legislature, other state departments and agencies, and county/city governments will have an even more important role in controlling the pandemic. The good news is that objective epidemiologic research, including on the impact of the governor’s response thus far, provides clear answers on a path forward. The bad news is that many state legislators (including Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey) and local policymakers want to abandon sound science-based policies, such as mask mandates, and thus recklessly endanger the health and lives of Michiganders.

Source: 15 doctors have message for Michiganders on mask requirements