MDHHS Covid Rules Issued January 22, 2021

MDHHS Covid Rules Issued January 22, 2021

Michigan law gives the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) the authority to make public health rules. In response to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, MDHHS has issued a series of public health orders to help slow the spread of the virus and protect vulnerable people.

MDHHS issued an order on January 22, 2021 on Gatherings and Face Masks that was in effect from February 1, 2021 through February 7, 2021. A new MDHHS order was issued on February 4, 2021. The February 4 order replaces the previous order and will be in effect from February 8, 2021 through March 29, 2021. 

The information below is a summary of the current order and does not cover all information contained in it. If you have questions, you can read the complete Gatherings and Face Mask Order or contact a lawyer.

For a visual guide, look at the February 8: Gathering Guidelines Infographic.

Gatherings and Face Mask Order

Michigan law imposes on the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) a duty to continually and diligently endeavor to “prevent disease, prolong life, and promote the public health,” and gives the Department “general supervision of the interests of the health and life of the people of this state.” MCL 333.2221. MDHHS may “[e]xercise authority and promulgate rules to safeguard properly the public health; to prevent the spread of diseases and the existence of sources of contamination; and to implement and carry out the powers and duties vested by law in the department.” MCL 333.2226(d).

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a respiratory disease that can result in serious illness or death. It is caused by a new strain of coronavirus not previously identified in humans and easily spread from person to person. COVID-19 spreads through close human contact, even from individuals who may be asymptomatic.

In recognition of the severe, widespread harm caused by epidemics, the Legislature has granted MDHHS specific authority, dating back a century, to address threats to the public health like those posed by COVID-19. MCL 333.2253(1) provides that:

If the director determines that control of an epidemic is necessary to protect the public health, the director by emergency order may prohibit the gathering of people for any purpose and may establish procedures to be followed during the epidemic to insure continuation of essential public health services and enforcement of health laws. Emergency procedures shall not be limited to this code.

See also In re Certified Questions from the United States District Court, Docket No. 161492 (Viviano, J., concurring in part and dissenting in part, at 20) (“[T]he 1919 law passed in the wake of the influenza epidemic and Governor Sleeper’s actions is still the law, albeit in slightly modified form.”); id. (McCormack, C.J., concurring in part and dissenting in part, at 12). Enforcing Michigan’s health laws, including preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting public health, requires limitations on gatherings and the establishment of procedures to control the spread of COVID-19. This includes limiting the number, location, size, and type of gatherings, and requiring the use of mitigation measures at gatherings as a condition of hosting such gatherings.

On March 10, 2020, MDHHS identified the first two presumptive-positive cases of COVID-19 in Michigan. As of February 3, 2021, Michigan had seen  561,307 confirmed cases and 13,905 confirmed deaths attributable to COVID-19. Michigan was one of the states most heavily impacted by COVID-19 early in the pandemic, with new cases peaking at nearly 2,000 per day in late March. Strict preventative measures and the cooperation of Michiganders drove daily case numbers dramatically down to fewer than 200 confirmed cases per day in mid-June, greatly reducing the loss of life. Beginning in October, Michigan again experienced an exponential growth in cases. New cases peaked at over 10,000 cases per day in mid-November, followed by increases in COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths.

On November 15, 2020, MDHHS issued an order enacting protections to slow the high and rapidly increasing rate of spread of COVID-19. Cases, hospitalizations, and deaths remained high through early December, threatening hospital and public health capacity. On December 7, 2020, December 18, 2020, and January 13, 2021, MDHHS issued orders sustaining those protections. These orders played a crucial role in slowing the spread in Michigan and have brought new cases down to about 1,500 per day. These lower rates prevented Michigan’s healthcare system from being overwhelmed with a holiday surge. On January 22, 2021, in light of the reduction in cases, MDHHS issued an order permitting indoor dining.

The State of Michigan presently has a seven-day average of 166 cases per million people, which is one and a half times higher than on October 1, but nearly 78% lower than the case rate in mid-November. Test positivity was 5.1% as of February 3, one and a half times higher than the positivity rate in early October. While metrics have decreased from all-time highs, there remains a high rate of spread throughout the state. A high number of cases creates significant pressure on our emergency and hospital systems. Healthcare metrics continue to improve in Michigan but remain higher than what was seen prior to the second surge. An average of 150 daily hospital admissions was seen in Michigan in the last week, with individuals under the age of 60 accounting for a third of all new admissions. There are fewer than 1,400  Michiganders currently hospitalized for COVID-19 and 6.8% of all available inpatient beds are occupied by patients who have COVID-19. The state death rate is 4.9 deaths per million people and there are approximately 350 weekly deaths in Michigan attributable to COVID-19. This is a 64% decrease from the second peak, which reached 13.7 deaths per million on December 10, 2020.

Even where COVID-19 does not result in death, and where our emergency and hospital systems are not heavily burdened, the disease can cause great harm. Recent estimates suggest that one in ten persons who suffer from COVID-19 will experience long-term symptoms, referred to as “long COVID.” These symptoms, including fatigue, shortness of breath, joint pain, depression, and headache, can be disabling. They can last for months, and in some cases, arise unexpectedly in patients who had few or no symptoms of COVID-19 at the time of diagnosis. COVID-19 has also been shown to damage the heart and kidneys. Furthermore, minority groups in Michigan have experienced a higher proportion of “long COVID.” The best way to prevent these complications is to prevent transmission of COVID-19.

Since December 11, 2020, the Food and Drug Administration has granted emergency use authorization to two vaccines to prevent COVID-19, providing a path to end the pandemic. Michigan is now partaking in the largest mass vaccination effort in modern history and is presently working toward vaccinating at least 70% of Michigan residents 16 and older as quickly as possible.

Despite making significant strides in controlling the virus since early November, there is much uncertainty. New and unexpected challenges continue to arise: in early December 2020, a variant of COVID-19 known as B.1.1.7 was detected in the United Kingdom. This variant is roughly 50 to 70 percent more infectious than the more common strain. On January 16, 2021, this variant was detected in Michigan. It is anticipated that the variant, if it becomes widespread in the state, will significantly increase the rate of new cases. Therefore, as lower COVID-19 rates permit easing of precautions, we must continue to proceed slowly and carefully, with close monitoring of cases and impacts, alongside efforts to increase the rate of vaccination.

Considering the above, and upon the advice of scientific and medical experts, I have concluded pursuant to MCL 333.2253 that the COVID-19 pandemic continues to constitute an epidemic in Michigan. I have also, subject to the grant of authority in 2020 PA 238 (signed into law on October 22, 2020), herein defined the symptoms of COVID-19 based on the latest epidemiological evidence. I further conclude that control of the epidemic is necessary to protect the public health and that it is necessary to restrict gatherings and establish procedures to be followed during the epidemic to ensure the continuation of essential public health services and enforcement of health laws. As provided in MCL 333.2253, these emergency procedures are not limited to the Public Health Code.

I therefore order that:

  1. Definitions.
    1. “Camp” means a day, residential, travel, or troop camp for children (as defined by Rule 400.11101(1)(q) of the Michigan Administrative Code).
    2. “Child care organization” means that term as defined by section 1(b) of the Child Care Organizations Act, 1973 PA 116, as amended, MCL 722.111(b)).
  2. “Contact sports” means sports involving more than occasional and fleeting contact, including: football; basketball; rugby; field hockey; soccer; lacrosse; wrestling; hockey; boxing; futsal; martial arts with opponents; and other sports meeting those criteria.
  3. “Competition” means a game of skill played between opposing teams.
  1. “Employee” means that term as defined in section 2(c) of the Improved Workforce Opportunity Wage Act, 2018 PA 337, as amended, MCL 408.932(c), and also includes independent contractors.
  2. “Entertainment and recreational facility” includes: auditoriums; arenas; cinemas; concert halls; performance venues; sporting venues; stadiums; theaters; night clubs; strip clubs; water parks; archery ranges; amusement parks; arcades; bingo halls; bowling centers; casinos; gun ranges; laser tag arenas; trampoline parks; and the like.
  3. “Exercise facility” means a location in which individuals participate in individual or group physical activity, including gymnasiums, fitness centers, and exercise studios.
  4. “Face mask” means a tightly woven cloth or other multi-layer absorbent material that closely covers an individual’s mouth and nose.
  5. “Food service establishment” means that term as defined in section 1107(t) of the Food Law, 2000 PA 92, as amended, MCL 289.1107(t).
  6. “Gathering” means any occurrence, either indoor or outdoor, where two or more persons from more than one household are present in a shared space.
  7. “Household” means a group of persons living together in a shared dwelling with common kitchen or bathroom facilities. In dwellings with shared kitchen or bathroom facilities occupied by 20 or more unrelated persons, households are defined by individuals who share a bedroom.
  8. “Indoors” means within a space that is fully or partially enclosed on the top, and fully or partially enclosed on two or more contiguous sides. Additionally, in a space that is fully or partially enclosed on the top, and fully or partially enclosed on two non-contiguous sides, any part of that space that is more than 8 feet from an open side is indoors.
  9. “Non-contact sports” means sports that are not contact sports.
  10. “Outdoors” means a space that is not indoors.
  11. “Organized sports” means competitive athletic activity requiring skill or physical prowess and organized by a sports organizer.
  12. “Practice” means a training session for a game of skill, involving only members of a single team.
  13. “Principal symptoms of COVID-19” means at least 1 of fever, uncontrolled cough, or atypical new onset of shortness of breath, or at least 2 of the following not explained by a known physical condition: loss of taste or smell, muscle aches, sore throat, severe headache, diarrhea, vomiting, or abdominal pain. Per section 1(j) of 2020 PA 339, this definition represents the latest medical guidance, and serves as the controlling definition.
  14. “Sports organizer” means an association or other organization that sets and enforces rules to ensure the physical health and safety of all participants for an organized sport. Sports organizers at the sub-association level must follow all health and safety rules and procedures set by the association of which they are a member.
  1. General capacity limitations at gatherings.
    1. Indoor gatherings:
      1. Are prohibited at residential venues, except where no more than 10 persons from no more than 2 households are gathered. Such gatherings should be held consistent with guidance issued by the Department of Health and Human Services for such gatherings; and
      2. Are prohibited at non-residential venues, except where no more than 10 persons from no more than 2 households are gathered.
    2. Outdoor gatherings are permitted only as follows:
      1. At residential venues, 25 or fewer persons are gathered, comprised of no more than 3 households;
      2. At non-residential venues:
        1. 25 or fewer persons are gathered at a venue without fixed seating, and attendance is limited to 20 persons per 1,000 square feet, including within any distinct area within the event space; or
        2. 25 or fewer persons are gathered at a venue with fixed seating, and attendance is limited to 20% of seating capacity of the venue.
    3. The limitations to gatherings in sections 2(a) and 2(b) do not apply to:
      1. Incidental, temporary gatherings of persons in a shared space, such as frequently occur in an airport, bus station, exercise facility, food service establishment, shopping mall, or public pool, except as prohibited in section 3;
      2. Gatherings between an employee and a customer for the purpose of receiving services;
      3. Workplace gatherings that occur consistent with the Emergency Rules issued by MIOSHA on October 14, 2020;
      4. Voting or official election-related activities;
      5. Training of law enforcement, correctional, medical, or first responder personnel, insofar as those activities cannot be conducted remotely;
      6. Education and support services at public, nonpublic, and boarding schools serving students in prekindergarten through grade 12;
      7. Children in a child care organization, after school program, or camp setting;
      8. Persons traveling on a school bus or public transit;
      9. Gatherings for the purpose of medical treatment, including mental health and substance use disorder support services;
      10. Gatherings of up to 25 persons for the purpose of a funeral;
      11. Residential care facilities, which are subject to the December 8, 2020, epidemic order entitled “Requirements for Residential Facilities,” or any replacement of that order;
      12. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation courses and swimming instruction courses;
      13. Proctored, nationally-administered admissions and certification examinations that are not available remotely, provided that examinees are spaced no less than 12 feet apart;
      14. Gatherings at entertainment and recreational facilities that comply with the restrictions set forth in sections 3(a) of this order;
      15. Gatherings for the purposes of indoor group fitness, exercise, or sports that comply with the restrictions set forth in sections 4(b), 4(d), 4(e), and 6 of this order;
      16. Gatherings for public health or other emergency purposes. 
    4. As a condition of hosting a gathering under this order, organizers and facilities must design the gathering to encourage and maintain physical distancing, and must ensure that persons not part of the same household maintain 6 feet of distance from one another to the extent possible.
       
  2. Gathering restrictions for entertainment facilities, recreational facilities, and food service establishments.
    1. Gatherings are prohibited at entertainment facilities and recreational facilities unless:
      1. Venues and activities held at those venues comply with masking and distancing requirements in this subsection. Venues that cannot consistently adhere to these requirements (e.g., water parks, dance floors at a nightclub, or children’s indoor playgrounds inasmuch as staff are not present to prevent physical contact) may not be open.
        1. Patrons remain masked at all times, except when eating or drinking in designated areas;
        2. Groups of patrons participating in activities together (such as those seated together at a concert or movie, or bowling in the same lane) do not exceed 10 persons from up to two households;
        3. Patrons are prevented from mingling with or engaging in physical contact with persons outside their group;
        4. For sports practice and competition, participants comply with the restrictions set forth in section 6.
      2. If participating in stationary activities, groups are spaced or seated at least 6 feet apart. If participating in non-stationary activities, groups maintain a consistent 6 feet of distance from other groups at all times;
      3. Consumption of food or beverages is permitted only where patrons are seated, groups of patrons are separated by at least 6 feet, no more than 6 patrons are seated at a table, and groups of patrons do not intermingle;
      4. Venues that are also food service establishments must, as a condition of offering food or beverages, ensure their designated dining areas comply with all requirements in subsection (b);
      5. Venues abide by the following density limitations:
        1. For venues with fixed seating, occupancy must not exceed 20% of the limits established by the State Fire Marshal or a local fire marshal;
        2. For venues with non-fixed seating, occupancy is limited to 20 persons per 1,000 square feet, including within any distinct space within the venue;
      6. Venues abide by the following maximum capacity limitations:
        1. At stadiums and arenas hosting sporting events as provided in section 6, up to 250 patrons may be gathered at venues with a seating capacity under 10,000, and up to 500 patrons may be gathered at venues with a seating capacity of over 10,000;
        2. For all other entertainment and recreation facilities, no more than 100 patrons may be gathered within any distinct space within the venue.
    2. Gatherings are prohibited at food service establishments unless:
      1. Consumption of food or beverages is permitted only in a designated dining area where patrons are seated, groups of patrons are separated by at least 6 feet, no more than 6 patrons are seated together (at a table, booth, or group of fixed seats), and groups of patrons do not intermingle;
      2. Patrons are not permitted to gather in common areas in which people can congregate, dance, or otherwise mingle;
      3. In the event that an employee of a food service establishment is confirmed positive for COVID-19 or shows symptoms of COVID-19 while at work, a gathering at that food service establishment is prohibited until the food service establishment has been deep cleaned consistent with Food and Drug Administration and CDC guidance;
      4. At establishments offering indoor dining:
  1. The number of patrons indoors (or in a designated dining area of a multipurpose venue) does not exceed 25% of normal seating capacity, or 100 persons, whichever is less, provided, however, that this limitation does not apply to soup kitchens and shelters;
  2. Food service establishments, or the designated dining area of a multipurpose venue, close indoor dining between the hours of 10:00 PM and 4:00 AM;
  3. The venue displays, in a prominent location, the MDHHS “Dining During COVID-19” brochure.
     
  1. Gathering restrictions for other facilities. In addition to the gathering limitations set forth elsewhere in this order, the following limitations apply to gatherings in the following facilities:
    1. A gathering at a retail store, library, or museum must not exceed 30% of total occupancy limits established by the State Fire Marshal or a local fire marshal. Nevertheless, a retail store, library, or museum may permit one customer at a time to enter if strict adherence to the 30% total occupancy limit would otherwise result in closure. Spaces for indoor dining, including food courts, must comply with the requirements for food service establishments as set forth in section 3(b).
      1. Retail stores must establish lines to regulate entry and checkout, with markings for patrons to enable them to stand at least six feet apart from one another while waiting.
    2. At exercise facilities:
      1. Gatherings must not exceed 25% of the total occupancy limits established by the State Fire Marshal or a local fire marshal;
      2. There must be at least 6 feet of distance between each occupied workout station and physical layout of the space must be established such that exercisers can move between stations while maintaining 6 feet of distance from others at all times; and
      3. Gatherings for group fitness activities or classes are permitted, provided that all persons maintain at least 6 feet of distance from others at all times and wear a face mask at all times.
    3. Gatherings in waiting rooms at outpatient health care facilities, veterinary clinics, and other businesses are prohibited unless the facility implements a system to ensure that persons not of the same household maintain 6 feet of distance. To the extent possible, this system must include a policy that patients wait in their cars for their appointments to be called.
    4. Gatherings at an indoor or outdoor pool not otherwise prohibited by this order must not exceed 25% of bather capacity limits described in Rule 325.2193 of the Michigan Administrative Code.
    5. Gatherings at ice and roller rinks are permitted, provided that occupancy is limited to 4 persons per 1,000 square feet, including within the exercise space. Gatherings for the purpose of open skating are permitted.
    6. In facilities offering non-essential personal care services, including hair, nail, tanning, massage, traditional spa, tattoo, body art, piercing services, and similar personal care services, all services must be provided by appointment, and gatherings in waiting areas are prohibited.
  2. Schools, colleges, technical schools, and universities.
    1. Subject to local health department and school district authority, and consistent with the applicable restrictions in section 6, gatherings at public, nonpublic, and boarding schools are permitted for the purpose of conducting in-person instruction and extracurricular activities in prekindergarten through grade 12.
    2. Gatherings at public, nonpublic, and boarding schools are permitted for the purpose of child care programs, tutoring and academic support, and for providing services to students in need, including food distribution, access to internet connectivity, and physical and mental health care services.
    3. Gatherings at colleges and universities, trade schools, and career schools are permitted for the purpose of holding in-person classes and other events sponsored by the educational institution. The limits imposed by section 2(a) and 2(b) do not apply to such gatherings, but they remain subject to all other applicable requirements of this order.
       
  3. Organized sports gathering restrictions.
    1. Gatherings for the purpose of contact sports practice and competition are prohibited unless:
      1. Participants remain masked; or
      2. Where it would be unsafe for participants to remain masked, all participants are tested consistent with MDHHS’s document entitled Guidance for Athletics issued February 7, 2021.
    2. Gatherings for the purpose of sports practice and competition are prohibited unless participants maintain 6 feet of distance from each other when not engaged in play.
    3. Gatherings of non-participants for the purpose of observing sports practice and competition must be held consistent with section 3.
    4. Sports organizers, venues, and teams must ensure that all gatherings for the purpose of sports competition and practice comply with the requirements of this order.
    5. Even where it is not required, sports organizers are encouraged to administer a testing program as specified MDHHS’s document entitled Guidance for Athletics issued February 7, 2021.
       
  4. Face mask requirement at gatherings.
    1. All persons participating in gatherings are required to wear a face mask.
    2. As a condition of gathering for the purpose of transportation, transportation providers must require all staff and patrons to use face masks, and must enforce physical distancing among all patrons to the extent feasible.
    3. Except as provided elsewhere in this order, a person responsible for a business, store, office, government office, school, organized event, or other operation, or an agent of such person, must prohibit gatherings of any kind unless the person requires individuals in such gatherings (including employees) to wear a face mask, and denies entry or service to all persons refusing to wear face masks while gathered.
    4. A person responsible for a business, store, office, government office, school, organized event, or other operation, or an agent of such person, may not assume that someone who enters the facility without a face mask falls within one of the exceptions specified in section 8 of this order, including the exception for individuals who cannot medically tolerate a face mask. An individual’s verbal representation that they are not wearing a face mask because they fall within a specified exception, however, may be accepted.
    5. A person responsible for a child care organization or camp, or an agent of such person, must not allow gatherings unless face masks are worn by all staff. Children must wear face masks as indicated below:
      1. All children 2 years and older when on a school bus or other transportation provided by the child care organization or camp;
      2. All children 4 years and older when in indoor hallways and indoor common areas;
      3. All children 5 years and older when in classrooms, homes, cabins, or similar indoor settings.
    6. Participants in gatherings for any exercise activities, group fitness, or organized sports must comply with face mask requirements listed in MDHHS’s document entitled Guidance for Athletics issued February 7, 2021.
       
  5. Exceptions to face mask requirements. Although a face mask is strongly encouraged even for individuals not required to wear one (except for children under the age of 2), the requirement to wear a face mask in gatherings as required by this order does not apply to individuals who:
    1. Are younger than 5 years old, outside of a child care organization or camp setting (which are subject to requirements set out in section 7(e));
    2. Cannot medically tolerate a face mask;
    3. Are eating or drinking while seated at a food service establishment or at a private residence;
    4. Are exercising outdoors and able to consistently maintain 6 feet of distance from others;
    5. Are swimming;
    6. Are receiving a medical or personal care service for which removal of the face mask is necessary;
    7. Are asked to temporarily remove a face mask for identification purposes;
    8. Are communicating with someone who is deaf, deafblind, or hard of hearing and whose ability to see the mouth is essential to communication;
    9. Are actively engaged in a public safety role, including but not limited to law enforcement, firefighters, or emergency medical personnel, and where wearing a face mask would seriously interfere in the performance of their public safety responsibilities;
    10. Are engaging in a religious service;
    11. Are giving a speech for broadcast or to an audience, provided that the audience is at least 12 feet away from the speaker; or
    12. Are participating in a testing program specified in MDHHS’s document entitled Guidance for Athletics issued February 7, 2021, and are engaged in practice or competition where the wearing of a mask would be unsafe.
       
  6. Contact tracing requirements for particular gatherings.
    1. Gatherings are prohibited at the following facilities unless the facility maintains accurate records, including date and time of entry, names of patrons, and contact information, to aid with contact tracing, and denies entry for a gathering to any visitor who does not provide, at a minimum, their name and phone number:
      1. All businesses or operations that provide hair, nail, tanning, massage, traditional spa, tattoo, body art, piercing services, or similar personal care services;
      2. Exercise facilities.
    2. All businesses or operations that provide in-home services, including cleaners, repair persons, painters, and the like must not permit their employees to gather with clients unless the business maintains accurate appointment records, including date and time of service, name of client, and contact information, to aid with contact tracing.
    3. All dine-in food service establishments must maintain accurate records of the names and phone numbers of patrons who purchase food for consumption on the premises, and the date and time of entry.
  1. Upon request, businesses, schools, and other facilities must provide names and phone numbers of individuals with possible COVID-19 exposure to MDHHS and local health departments to aid in contact tracing and case investigation efforts.
  2. Data collected under this section:
    1. Must not be sold, or used for sales or marketing purposes without the express consent of each patron;
    2. Must be protected as confidential information to the fullest extent of the law;
    3. Must not be provided to law enforcement or immigration officials except upon receipt of a lawful subpoena from a court or other lawful court order;
    4. Must be retained for 28 days by the collecting organization, after which time the data must be destroyed. If facilities use existing data to fulfill this requirement, they may instead follow their own pre-existing data retention and destruction policies at the conclusion of the 28-day retention period.
  3. Implementation.
    1. Nothing in this order modifies, limits, or abridges protections provided by state or federal law for a person with a disability.
    2. Under MCL 333.2235(1), local health departments are authorized to carry out and enforce the terms of this order.
    3. Law enforcement officers, as defined in the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards Act, 1965 Public Act 203, MCL 28.602(f), are deemed to be “department representatives” for purposes of enforcing this order, and are specifically authorized to investigate potential violations of this order. They may coordinate as necessary with the appropriate regulatory entity and enforce this order within their jurisdiction.
    4. Neither a place of religious worship nor its owner is subject to penalty under this order for allowing religious worship at such place. No individual is subject to penalty under this order for engaging in religious worship at a place of religious worship.
    5. Consistent with MCL 333.2261, violation of this order is a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 6 months, or a fine of not more than $200.00, or both.
    6. Nothing in this order affects any prosecution or civil citation based on conduct that occurred before the effective date of this order.
    7. Nothing in this order should be taken to interfere with or infringe on the powers of the legislative and judicial branches to perform their constitutional duties or exercise their authority, or protections guaranteed by the state or federal constitution under these emergency circumstances.
    8. Consistent with any rule or emergency rule promulgated and adopted in a schedule of monetary civil penalties under MCL 333.2262(1) and applicable to this order, violations of this order are also punishable by a civil fine of up to $1,000 for each violation or day that a violation continues.  
    9. If any provision of this order is found invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, whether in whole or in part, such decision will not affect the validity of the remaining part of this order.

This order takes effect on February 8, 2021, at 12:01 AM, at which time the January 22, 2021, order entitled Gatherings and Face Mask Order is rescinded. This order remains in effect through March 29, 2021, at 11:59 PM. Persons with suggestions and concerns are invited to submit their comments via email to COVID19@michigan.gov.

Date: February 4, 2021

Elizabeth Hertel, Director

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services

Gatherings and Face Mask Order (PDF)

RELATED CONTENT

Komorn Law Social Media

Recent Posts

Tag Cloud

2021 BMMR cannabis CBD corruption. prosecutors dispensary Driving DUI forfeiture gun rights hemp komornlaw lara law enforcement abuse laws Legalization marijuana Medical Marijuana Michigan michigan laws michigan news MMFLA MRA news police politics science usa news us supreme court Your Rights

DISCLAIMER
This post may contain re-posted content, opinions, comments, ads, third party posts, outdated information, posts from disgruntled persons, posts from those with agendas and general internet BS. Therefore…Before you believe anything on the internet regarding anything – do your research on Official Government and State Sites, Call the Michigan State Police, Check the State Attorney General Website and Consult an Attorney – Use Your Brain.

2 Days In –  Bidens Executive Orders and Memorandums

2 Days In – Bidens Executive Orders and Memorandums

Disclaimer: The information provided to you below is from a 3rd party and has not been fact checked or verified as true = ;)

EXECUTIVE ORDERS – SUMMARIES

Launching ‘100 Days Masking Challenge’, federal grounds mask mandate

Trump reversal?: No

Biden will ask the American people to do their part and mask up for 100 days to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Biden will also issue an executive order by requiring masks and social distancing in all federal buildings by all federal employees and contractors. 

Resuming engagement with World Health Organization

Trump reversal?: Yes

Biden will reverse the Trump administration’s withdrawal from the World Health Organization, an agency of the United Nations responsible for coordinating the international response to COVID-19. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious diseases expert, was named the head of delegation to the country’s WHO Executive Board, will deliver remarks on Thursday to the board. 

Creating COVID-19 Response Coordinator position

Trump reversal?: No

The COVID-19 Response Coordinator will be responsible for coordinating all aspects of COVID-19 response across government, including vaccines and testing. 

Extending eviction and foreclosure moratorium

Trump reversal?: No 

Biden will ask the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to consider extending the federal eviction moratorium until at least March 31. He will also call on Congress to extend the moratorium further. He will ask the Departments of Veterans Affairs, Agriculture and Housing and Urban Development to consider extending foreclosure moratoriums for federally guaranteed mortgages until at least March 31. Biden will also call on the Federal Housing Finance Agency to extend its foreclosure and eviction moratoriums past Feb. 28. 

Extending pause on student loans

Trump reversal?: No

Biden will ask the Department of Education to consider extending the pause on interest and principal payments for direct federal loans until at least Sept. 30. 

Rejoining Paris Agreement on climate change

Trump reversal?: Yes

Biden will sign the U.S. back into the Paris Agreement to put the country back in a position to “exercise global leadership” in advancing the climate change objectives of the treaty. After the instrument is signed and sent to the United Nations on Wednesday, the U.S. will officially be reinstated in 30 days. 

Revoking Keystone XL pipeline permit, plus other environmental actions

Trump reversal?: Yes

Biden will sign an executive order that will “address the climate crisis, create good union jobs and advance environmental justice, while reversing the previous administration’s harmful policies”: 

  • All executive departments and agencies must immediately review and take appropriate action against any actions taken during the last four years that are harmful to public health, damaging to the environment, unsupported by available science or not in the national interest
  • Agencies should consider revising vehicle fuel economy and emissions standards to cut pollution, save consumers’ money and create good union jobs
  • Placing a temporary moratorium on all oil and natural gas leasing activities in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuse
  • Reestablishing the Interagency Working Group on the Social Cost of Greenhouse Gases and ensuring that agencies account for the full cost of emissions 
  • Revoking the presidential permit granted to the Keystone XL pipeline

Rescinding Trump’s 1776 Commission, plus advancing racial equity for all

Trump reversal?: Yes

Biden will sign an executive order to embed equity across federal policymaking and root out systemic racism.

The order will:

  • Define equity as the “consistent and systematic fair, just, and impartial treatment of all individuals, including individuals who belong to underserved communities, such as Black, Latino, Indigenous and Native American persons, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and other persons of color; LGBTQ+ persons; people with disabilities; religious minorities, persons who live in rural areas; and persons otherwise affected by persistent poverty or inequality.”
  • Establish that advancing equity for all is the government’s responsibility 
  • Direct federal agencies to deliver action plan within 200 days to address unequal barriers to opportunity 
  • Launch equitable data working group 
  • Make sure the Office of Management and Budget will allocate federal resources to empower and invest in communities of color and other underserved communities
  • Improve delivery of government benefits; reducing language access barriers
  • Study new methods so federal agencies can assess equity
  • Encourage agencies to engage with communities that have been historically underserved and underrepresented

Biden has tasked Ambassador Susan Rice with the position of Domestic Policy Advisor to hold the federal government accountable for the previously mentioned actions. This executive order will also reverse the Trump administration’s 1776 Commission. 

Including non-citizens in census apportionment for Congressional representatives

Trump reversal?: Yes

Biden will sign an executive order that will make sure the Census Bureau has ample time to complete an accurate population count for each state. This is a reversal of the Trump administration’s order that set a plan to exclude non-citizens from the census and apportionment. 

Preserving and fortifying DACA program

Trump reversal?: No

Biden will sign a Presidential Memorandum directing the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Attorney General to take all actions under the law to preserve and fortify the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, a program that provides temporary relief from deportation on a case-by-case basis. The memorandum will call on Congress to enact legislation that would provide permanent status and a path to citizenship for those who came to the United States. 

Ending Muslim Ban

Trump reversal?: Yes

Biden will sign an executive action that will put an end to the Muslim Ban, which barred entry into the United States from primarily Muslim and African countries. The action instructs the State Department to restart visa processing for those affected. 

This action will also provide the strengthening of screening and vetting for travelers through the use of information sharing with foreign governments. 

Setting civil immigration enforcement policies

Trump reversal?: Yes

Biden will sign an executive order that will allow the Department of Homeland Security to set civil immigration enforcement policies in a reversal of the Trump administration’s order that directed “harsh and extreme” immigrant enforcement. 

Terminating border wall construction

Trump reversal?: Yes

Biden will declare an immediate proclamation terminating the national emergency declaration Trump used to fund border wall construction and immediately pausing construction to allow a “close review of the legality of the funding and contracting methods used.” The proclamation will also look to determine the best way to redirect the funds used for the wall. 

Extending Deferred Enforced Departure for Liberians

Trump reversal?: No 

Biden will sign a presidential memorandum to extend the Deferred Enforced Departure designation for Liberians in the U.S. until June 30, 2022. This will also extend their work authorization and ensure the ease of application of residency by the Liberian Relief and Fairness Act. 

Prohibiting workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity 

Trump reversal?: No 

Biden will sign an executive order to build on the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Bostock v. Clayton County last year that will prohibit workplace discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. The order will also direct agencies to take all lawful steps to protect the right of LGBTQ+ individuals. 

Ordering appointees to sign ethics pledge 

Trump reversal?: No 

Biden will sign an executive order that requires all appointees in the executive branch to sign an ethics pledge with the goal of restoring and maintaining public trust in government. 

Improving and modernizing regulatory review

Trump reversal?: Yes

Biden will issue a presidential memorandum revoking the “needless obstacles” set forth by the Trump administration’s regulatory process. Biden’s action will direct the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to develop and improve regulatory review. 

Source : https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/2021/01/20/president-joe-biden-executive-orders-list-inauguration-forgive-student-loans-mask-mandate-muslim-ban/4227159001/

Straight From White House

The South Lawn of the White House.

Disclaimer: The information provided to you below is from a 3rd party and has not been fact checked or verified as true.

Source Whitehouse.gov – The Briefing Room – Star Date 2021.01.22 14:30 hrs

Bill Signing: H.R. 335

JANUARY 22, 2021 • LEGISLATION

Statement from President Biden and Vice President Harris on the 48th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade

JANUARY 22, 2021 • STATEMENTS AND RELEASES

Fact Sheet: President Biden’s New Executive Actions Deliver Economic Relief for American Families and Businesses Amid the COVID-19 Crises

JANUARY 22, 2021 • STATEMENTS AND RELEASES

Talking Points: January 22 Executive Orders – Economic Relief

JANUARY 22, 2021 • STATEMENTS AND RELEASES

Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jen Psaki, January 21, 2021

JANUARY 21, 2021 • PRESS BRIEFINGS

Executive Order on Establishing the COVID-19 Pandemic Testing Board and Ensuring a Sustainable Public Health Workforce for COVID-19 and Other Biological Threats

JANUARY 21, 2021 • PRESIDENTIAL ACTIONS

Readout of Vice President Harris’s Call with World Health Organization Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus

JANUARY 21, 2021 • STATEMENTS AND RELEASES

National Security Directive on United States Global Leadership to Strengthen the International COVID-19 Response and to Advance Global Health Security and Biological Preparedness

JANUARY 21, 2021 • STATEMENTS AND RELEASES

Executive Order on Protecting Worker Health and Safety

JANUARY 21, 2021 • PRESIDENTIAL ACTIONS

Executive Order on Supporting the Reopening and Continuing Operation of Schools and Early Childhood Education Providers

JANUARY 21, 2021 • PRESIDENTIAL ACTIONS

Executive Order on Ensuring an Equitable Pandemic Response and Recovery

JANUARY 21, 2021 • PRESIDENTIAL ACTIONS

Executive Order on a Sustainable Public Health Supply Chain

JANUARY 21, 2021 • PRESIDENTIAL ACTIONS

Memorandum to Extend Federal Support to Governors’ Use of the National Guard to Respond to COVID-19 and to Increase Reimbursement and Other Assistance Provided to States

JANUARY 21, 2021 • PRESIDENTIAL ACTIONS

Executive Order on Ensuring a Data-Driven Response to COVID-19 and Future High-Consequence Public Health Threats

JANUARY 21, 2021 • PRESIDENTIAL ACTIONS

Executive Order on Improving and Expanding Access to Care and Treatments for COVID-19

JANUARY 21, 2021 • PRESIDENTIAL ACTIONS

Executive Order on Promoting COVID-19 Safety in Domestic and International Travel

JANUARY 21, 2021 • PRESIDENTIAL ACTIONS

Preserving and Fortifying Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)

JANUARY 20, 2021 • PRESIDENTIAL ACTIONS

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Remarks by Vice President Kamala Harris at the Celebration of America

JANUARY 20, 2021 • SPEECHES AND REMARKS

Reinstating Deferred Enforced Departure for Liberians

JANUARY 20, 2021 • PRESIDENTIAL ACTIONS

Since 1991, the United States has provided safe haven for Liberians who were forced to flee their country as a result of armed conflict and…

Pausing Federal Student Loan Payments

JANUARY 20, 2021 • STATEMENTS AND RELEASES

At the Request of President Biden, Acting Secretary of Education Will Extend Pause on Federal Student Loan Payments

Proclamation on the Termination Of Emergency With Respect To The Southern Border Of The United States And Redirection Of Funds Diverted To Border Wall Construction 

JANUARY 20, 2021 • PRESIDENTIAL ACTIONS

Like every nation, the United States has a right and a duty to secure its borders and protect its people against threats.

Executive Order on Ethics Commitments by Executive Branch Personnel

JANUARY 20, 2021 • PRESIDENTIAL ACTIONS

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 301 of title…

Modernizing Regulatory Review

JANUARY 20, 2021 • PRESIDENTIAL ACTIONS

Executive Order on Preventing and Combating Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation

JANUARY 20, 2021 • PRESIDENTIAL ACTIONS

Executive Order on Protecting Public Health and the Environment and Restoring Science to Tackle the Climate Crisis

JANUARY 20, 2021 • PRESIDENTIAL ACTIONS

Executive Order on Ensuring a Lawful and Accurate Enumeration and Apportionment Pursuant to the Decennial Census

JANUARY 20, 2021 • PRESIDENTIAL ACTIONS

Executive Order on Revocation of Certain Executive Orders Concerning Federal Regulation

JANUARY 20, 2021 • PRESIDENTIAL ACTIONS

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered that:

Executive Order on the Revision of Civil Immigration Enforcement Policies and Priorities

JANUARY 20, 2021 • PRESIDENTIAL ACTIONS

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered as…

Letter to His Excellency António Guterres

JANUARY 20, 2021 • STATEMENTS AND RELEASES

This letter constitutes a retraction by the Government of the United States of the letter dated July 6, 2020, notifying you that the Government of…

Executive Order on Organizing and Mobilizing the United States Government to Provide a Unified and Effective Response to Combat COVID-19 and to Provide United States Leadership on Global Health and Security

JANUARY 20, 2021 • PRESIDENTIAL ACTIONS

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered as…

Executive Order on Protecting the Federal Workforce and Requiring Mask-Wearing

JANUARY 20, 2021 • PRESIDENTIAL ACTIONS

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 7902(c) of title…

Biden Celebrating after signing mask mandate

Posing for photos at the Lincoln Memorial after signing 17 executives orders including allowing non citizens in census for congressional seats and launching the “mask challenge” mandating that everyone wears a mask for 100 days on federal property or in a plane.

Proclamation on Ending Discriminatory Bans on Entry to The United States

JANUARY 20, 2021 • PRESIDENTIAL ACTIONS

The United States was built on a foundation of religious freedom and tolerance, a principle enshrined in the United States Constitution.

Executive Order On Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government

JANUARY 20, 2021 • PRESIDENTIAL ACTIONS

Equal opportunity is the bedrock of American democracy, and our diversity is one of our country’s greatest strengths. But for too many, the American Dream…

President Joe Biden Announces Acting Federal Agency Leadership

JANUARY 20, 2021 • STATEMENTS AND RELEASES

Today, President Joe Biden announced the acting agency leadership across the administration to assist in the next phase of the transition of government.

Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jen Psaki, January 20, 2021

JANUARY 20, 2021 • PRESS BRIEFINGS

Solar panels in a field

Paris Climate Agreement

JANUARY 20, 2021 • STATEMENTS AND RELEASES

I, Joseph R. Biden Jr., President of the United States of America, having seen and considered the Paris Agreement, done at Paris on December 12,…

Regulatory Freeze Pending Review

JANUARY 20, 2021 • PRESIDENTIAL ACTIONS

The President has asked me to communicate to each of you his plan for managing the Federal regulatory process at the outset of his Administration.

A National Day of Unity

JANUARY 20, 2021 • PRESIDENTIAL ACTIONS

Today, we celebrate the triumph of democracy after an election that saw more Americans voting than ever before in our Nation’s history, and where the…

President Joe Biden wearing a suit, standing in front of an American flag

Inaugural Address by President Joseph R. Biden, Jr.

JANUARY 20, 2021 • SPEECHES AND REMARKS

The Inaugural Address of the 46th President of the United States, as delivered at the United States Capitol.


Komorn Law Social Media

Recent Posts

Tag Cloud

2nd amendment 2020 2021 BMMR cannabis CBD corruption corruption. prosecutors detroit dispensary Driving DUI expungement federal forfeiture ginnifer hency gun rights guns hemp komornlaw Komorn Law Victories lara law enforcement abuse laws legal Legalization marijuana Medical Marijuana Michigan michigan laws michigan news MMFLA MMMA MMMA Regulations MRA news police politics Recreational Cannabis science shattuck supreme court usa news us supreme court Your Rights

DISCLAIMER
This post may contain re-posted content, opinions, comments, ads, third party posts, outdated information, posts from disgruntled persons, posts from those with agendas and general internet BS. Therefore…Before you believe anything on the internet regarding anything do your research on Official Government and State Sites, Call the Michigan State Police, Check the State Attorney General Website and Consult an Attorney.

Inaugural Address by President Joseph R. Biden, Jr.

Inaugural Address by President Joseph R. Biden, Jr.

The United States Capitol

11:52 AM EST

THE PRESIDENT: Chief Justice Roberts, Vice President Harris, Speaker Pelosi, Leader Schumer, Leader McConnell, Vice President Pence, distinguished guests, and my fellow Americans.

This is America’s day.

This is democracy’s day.

A day of history and hope.

Of renewal and resolve.

Through a crucible for the ages America has been tested anew and America has risen to the challenge.

Today, we celebrate the triumph not of a candidate, but of a cause, the cause of democracy.

The will of the people has been heard and the will of the people has been heeded.

We have learned again that democracy is precious.

Democracy is fragile.

And at this hour, my friends, democracy has prevailed.

So now, on this hallowed ground where just days ago violence sought to shake this Capitol’s very foundation, we come together as one nation, under God, indivisible, to carry out the peaceful transfer of power as we have for more than two centuries.

We look ahead in our uniquely American way – restless, bold, optimistic – and set our sights on the nation we know we can be and we must be.

I thank my predecessors of both parties for their presence here.

I thank them from the bottom of my heart.

You know the resilience of our Constitution and the strength of our nation.

As does President Carter, who I spoke to last night but who cannot be with us today, but whom we salute for his lifetime of service.

I have just taken the sacred oath each of these patriots took — an oath first sworn by George Washington.

But the American story depends not on any one of us, not on some of us, but on all of us.

On “We the People” who seek a more perfect Union.

This is a great nation and we are a good people.

Over the centuries through storm and strife, in peace and in war, we have come so far. But we still have far to go.

We will press forward with speed and urgency, for we have much to do in this winter of peril and possibility.

Much to repair.

Much to restore.

Much to heal.

Much to build.

And much to gain.

Few periods in our nation’s history have been more challenging or difficult than the one we’re in now.

A once-in-a-century virus silently stalks the country.

It’s taken as many lives in one year as America lost in all of World War II.

Millions of jobs have been lost.

Hundreds of thousands of businesses closed.

A cry for racial justice some 400 years in the making moves us. The dream of justice for all will be deferred no longer.

A cry for survival comes from the planet itself. A cry that can’t be any more desperate or any more clear.

And now, a rise in political extremism, white supremacy, domestic terrorism that we must confront and we will defeat.

To overcome these challenges – to restore the soul and to secure the future of America – requires more than words.

It requires that most elusive of things in a democracy:

Unity.

Unity.

In another January in Washington, on New Year’s Day 1863, Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.

When he put pen to paper, the President said, “If my name ever goes down into history it will be for this act and my whole soul is in it.”

My whole soul is in it.

Today, on this January day, my whole soul is in this:

Bringing America together.

Uniting our people.

And uniting our nation.

I ask every American to join me in this cause.

Uniting to fight the common foes we face:

Anger, resentment, hatred.

Extremism, lawlessness, violence.

Disease, joblessness, hopelessness.

With unity we can do great things. Important things.

We can right wrongs.

We can put people to work in good jobs.

We can teach our children in safe schools.

We can overcome this deadly virus.

We can reward work, rebuild the middle class, and make health care
secure for all.

We can deliver racial justice.

We can make America, once again, the leading force for good in the world.

I know speaking of unity can sound to some like a foolish fantasy.

I know the forces that divide us are deep and they are real.

But I also know they are not new.

Our history has been a constant struggle between the American ideal that we are all created equal and the harsh, ugly reality that racism, nativism, fear, and demonization have long torn us apart.

The battle is perennial.

Victory is never assured.

Through the Civil War, the Great Depression, World War, 9/11, through struggle, sacrifice, and setbacks, our “better angels” have always prevailed.

In each of these moments, enough of us came together to carry all of us forward.

And, we can do so now.

History, faith, and reason show the way, the way of unity.

We can see each other not as adversaries but as neighbors.

We can treat each other with dignity and respect.

We can join forces, stop the shouting, and lower the temperature.

For without unity, there is no peace, only bitterness and fury.

No progress, only exhausting outrage.

No nation, only a state of chaos.

This is our historic moment of crisis and challenge, and unity is the path forward.

And, we must meet this moment as the United States of America.

If we do that, I guarantee you, we will not fail.

We have never, ever, ever failed in America when we have acted together.

And so today, at this time and in this place, let us start afresh.

All of us.

Let us listen to one another.

Hear one another.
See one another.

Show respect to one another.

Politics need not be a raging fire destroying everything in its path.

Every disagreement doesn’t have to be a cause for total war.

And, we must reject a culture in which facts themselves are manipulated and even manufactured.

My fellow Americans, we have to be different than this.

America has to be better than this.

And, I believe America is better than this.

Just look around.

Here we stand, in the shadow of a Capitol dome that was completed amid the Civil War, when the Union itself hung in the balance.

Yet we endured and we prevailed.

Here we stand looking out to the great Mall where Dr. King spoke of his dream.

Here we stand, where 108 years ago at another inaugural, thousands of protestors tried to block brave women from marching for the right to vote.

Today, we mark the swearing-in of the first woman in American history elected to national office – Vice President Kamala Harris.

Don’t tell me things can’t change.

Here we stand across the Potomac from Arlington National Cemetery, where heroes who gave the last full measure of devotion rest in eternal peace.

And here we stand, just days after a riotous mob thought they could use violence to silence the will of the people, to stop the work of our democracy, and to drive us from this sacred ground.

That did not happen.

It will never happen.

Not today.

Not tomorrow.

Not ever.

To all those who supported our campaign I am humbled by the faith you have placed in us.

To all those who did not support us, let me say this: Hear me out as we move forward. Take a measure of me and my heart.

And if you still disagree, so be it.

That’s democracy. That’s America. The right to dissent peaceably, within the guardrails of our Republic, is perhaps our nation’s greatest strength.

Yet hear me clearly: Disagreement must not lead to disunion.

And I pledge this to you: I will be a President for all Americans.

I will fight as hard for those who did not support me as for those who did.

Many centuries ago, Saint Augustine, a saint of my church, wrote that a people was a multitude defined by the common objects of their love.

What are the common objects we love that define us as Americans?

I think I know.

Opportunity.

Security.

Liberty.

Dignity.

Respect.

Honor.

And, yes, the truth.

Recent weeks and months have taught us a painful lesson.

There is truth and there are lies.

Lies told for power and for profit.

And each of us has a duty and responsibility, as citizens, as Americans, and especially as leaders – leaders who have pledged to honor our Constitution and protect our nation — to defend the truth and to defeat the lies.

I understand that many Americans view the future with some fear and trepidation.

I understand they worry about their jobs, about taking care of their families, about what comes next.

I get it.

But the answer is not to turn inward, to retreat into competing factions, distrusting those who don’t look like you do, or worship the way you do, or don’t get their news from the same sources you do.

We must end this uncivil war that pits red against blue, rural versus urban, conservative versus liberal.

We can do this if we open our souls instead of hardening our hearts.

If we show a little tolerance and humility.

If we’re willing to stand in the other person’s shoes just for a moment.
Because here is the thing about life: There is no accounting for what fate will deal you.

There are some days when we need a hand.

There are other days when we’re called on to lend one.

That is how we must be with one another.

And, if we are this way, our country will be stronger, more prosperous, more ready for the future.

My fellow Americans, in the work ahead of us, we will need each other.

We will need all our strength to persevere through this dark winter.

We are entering what may well be the toughest and deadliest period of the virus.

We must set aside the politics and finally face this pandemic as one nation.

I promise you this: as the Bible says weeping may endure for a night but joy cometh in the morning.

We will get through this, together

The world is watching today.

So here is my message to those beyond our borders: America has been tested and we have come out stronger for it.

We will repair our alliances and engage with the world once again.

Not to meet yesterday’s challenges, but today’s and tomorrow’s.

We will lead not merely by the example of our power but by the power of our example.

We will be a strong and trusted partner for peace, progress, and security.

We have been through so much in this nation.

And, in my first act as President, I would like to ask you to join me in a moment of silent prayer to remember all those we lost this past year to the pandemic.

To those 400,000 fellow Americans – mothers and fathers, husbands and wives, sons and daughters, friends, neighbors, and co-workers.

We will honor them by becoming the people and nation we know we can and should be.

Let us say a silent prayer for those who lost their lives, for those they left behind, and for our country.

Amen.

This is a time of testing.

We face an attack on democracy and on truth.

A raging virus.

Growing inequity.

The sting of systemic racism.

A climate in crisis.

America’s role in the world.

Any one of these would be enough to challenge us in profound ways.

But the fact is we face them all at once, presenting this nation with the gravest of responsibilities.

Now we must step up.

All of us.

It is a time for boldness, for there is so much to do.

And, this is certain.

We will be judged, you and I, for how we resolve the cascading crises of our era.

Will we rise to the occasion?

Will we master this rare and difficult hour?

Will we meet our obligations and pass along a new and better world for our children?

I believe we must and I believe we will.

And when we do, we will write the next chapter in the American story.

It’s a story that might sound something like a song that means a lot to me.

It’s called “American Anthem” and there is one verse stands out for me:

“The work and prayers
of centuries have brought us to this day
What shall be our legacy?
What will our children say?…
Let me know in my heart
When my days are through
America
America
I gave my best to you.”

Let us add our own work and prayers to the unfolding story of our nation.

If we do this then when our days are through our children and our children’s children will say of us they gave their best.

They did their duty.

They healed a broken land.
My fellow Americans, I close today where I began, with a sacred oath.

Before God and all of you I give you my word.

I will always level with you.

I will defend the Constitution.

I will defend our democracy.

I will defend America.

I will give my all in your service thinking not of power, but of possibilities.

Not of personal interest, but of the public good.

And together, we shall write an American story of hope, not fear.

Of unity, not division.

Of light, not darkness.

An American story of decency and dignity.

Of love and of healing.

Of greatness and of goodness.

May this be the story that guides us.

The story that inspires us.

The story that tells ages yet to come that we answered the call of history.

We met the moment.

That democracy and hope, truth and justice, did not die on our watch but thrived.

That our America secured liberty at home and stood once again as a beacon to the world.

That is what we owe our forebearers, one another, and generations to follow.

So, with purpose and resolve we turn to the tasks of our time.

Sustained by faith.

Driven by conviction.

And, devoted to one another and to this country we love with all our hearts.

May God bless America and may God protect our troops.

Thank you, America.

END

12:13 pm EST