Guidance for Businesses & Organizations

UPDATED April 5, 2021 at 1:45 p.m.

Quarantine guidance for close contacts who have not been vaccinated

Beginning April 5, 2021: Due to the increase in Covid-19 cases and the Covid-19 variants, close contacts of a COVID-19 positive individual (less than 6 feet apart for 15+ minutes total) must quarantine for 14 days from their last contact with an infected person. The 10-day quarantine period is no longer an option.

Even if the close contact tests negative for COVID-19, they must complete the full quarantine period.

Ending quarantine at 7 days with negative COVID-19 test results is NOT an option.

Updated quarantine guidance for close contacts who have been vaccinated for COVID-19

Vaccinated persons with an exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 are not required to quarantine if they meet ALL of the following criteria:

The individual is fully vaccinated, meaning it has been at least 14 days since receiving the final dose in the vaccine series (2 doses of Moderna; 2 doses of Pfizer; or 1 dose of Janssen/Johnson & Johnson), and
The individual has not developed ANY symptoms since their exposure.

Note: As of 3/22/21 there is no longer the 90-day limit to the quarantine exemption for fully vaccinated individuals!

Reporting a COVID-19 Case Connected to a Workplace, Organization or School

To report a COVID-19 case associated with a business or agency located in Washtenaw County, please use this secure online portal.
To report a positive COVID-19 case associated with a school or childcare located in Washtenaw County, please use this secure online portal.

For questions please email [email protected] or call 734-544-6700. Please leave a message if your call is not directly answered.

Health Orders

View Washtenaw County Health Department Emergency Orders.

View Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDDHHS) Epidemic Orders.

View Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) Emergency Orders and guidance.

State of Michigan laws pertaining to COVID-19: PA 236 of 2020, PA 237 of 2020, PA 328 of 2020 & PA 339 of 2020

These orders and laws are in place to maintain COVID-19 precautions, including using face coverings, maintaining 6 feet of distance from people not in the same house, limiting the size of social gatherings, and following all public health guidance to prevent the spread of illness.

See the state coronavirus website at Michigan.gov/coronavirus for more information.

Requirements include:

Screen workers. Check employees for fever or other symptoms if they will enter facilities or buildings. Any employee with symptoms must stay home or work remotely.
Maintain 6 feet of distance between people.
Emphasize frequent and proper hand washing. Make sure sinks are well supplied with warm running water, soap and paper towels.
Supply face coverings to all employees. Employees must wear face coverings if they will be in close contact with other employees or the public. Make sure customers are wearing face coverings as well.
Do not share space or equipment. If this is not possible, have employees wash hands or use hand sanitizer before and after using shared equipment. Clean and sanitize equipment between uses.
Work remotely whenever possible, particularly if individuals have underlying health conditions.
Contact the Health Department when there is a positive case associated with your facility and cooperate with case investigation and contacting tracing efforts.

Business Reopening Guidance & Resources

COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Workplaces: Answers to common questions about COVID-19 and workplace issues (what to do if an employee tests positive, etc.) - Updated March 1, 2021
Workplace sample health screening form - Updated December 4, 2020. Facilities are not required to use this form; it is an example to use.
- Another health screening option is to use the MI Symptoms app. It is a free online tool from the state of Michigan to screen employees: https://misymptomapp.state.mi.us/
Instructions on social distancing, self-monitoring, self-quarantine, and self-isolation
COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Plan Template: Businesses and entities can use this template from MIOSHA to prepare their required plan
Washtenaw County Reopening Guidance for Businesses - Guidance from the Washtenaw County Health Department for all businesses reopening or expanding services. Also see the COVID-19 FAQs for Workplaces.
MIOSHA COVID-19 Workplace Safety Guidance - Guidelines for various industries, as well as information on filing a complaint.
Michigan COVID-19 Business Response Center - Industry-specific guidance, including building, manufacturing, retail, dining, shopping, offices, health care, and more.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Guidance on Reopening Communities, Schools, Workplaces, and Events.
Building signs - Signs about masks, staying home if sick, and social distancing from Washtenaw County Health Department.
Reopening Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting Public Spaces, Workplaces, Businesses, Schools, and Homes
MI Safe Start
Cleaning and Disinfection after COVID-19 Exposure
You can learn more about your employment rights on the Michigan Attorney General website.

Swimming Pool Resources

2021 Public Swimming Pool Packet: Important information about reopening and operating your indoor public swimming pool, and compliance with swimming pool and COVID-19 requirements.

Restaurant Resources

Restaurant In-person Dining Procedures - guidance from the Washtenaw County Health Department
Michigan Restaurant Association reopening and operating guidance
Best practices for food establishments to manage COVID-19 - from the State of Michigan
Best Practices for Retail Food Stores, Restaurants, and Food Pick-Up/Delivery Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic - from the FDA

Childcare Resources

Guidelines for Safe Child Care Operations During COVID-19 - guidance from the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
Child Care and Licensing Information - Child care information for licensed facilities and families from the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
Coronavirus childcare provider resources from the State of Michigan
Frequently Asked Questions about childcare operations from the State of Michigan

File a Complaint About a Business Operating in Violation of Orders

To report MIOSHA or workplace safety complaints call 855 SAFE C19 (855 723-3219) and/or file a complaint with MIOSHA.

To report a complaint about a grocery store, convenience store, or gas station, please complete this online form for the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), which is the agency that licenses and inspects these facilities.

For local information, email [email protected] or call 734-544-6700 and leave a message. Voicemail messages are checked throughout the day on weekdays, and every effort is made to return calls within one business day.