Sheriff: Violations of governor’s stay home order will be investigated.

March 24, 2020

Sheriff: Violations of governor’s stay home order will be investigated.

Oceana County Sheriff Craig Mast

HART — Oceana County Sheriff Craig Mast issued a press release Tuesday, March 24, explaining that complaints of Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s Stay Home, Stay Safe order will be investigated and turned over to the Michigan Attorney General’s Office.

“The sheriff’s office is continuing to operate as normal as we can given the circumstances,” Mast said. “We are still operating at full staff and will continue to serve the citizens if they have needs. We are not turning a blind eye to crime. We still have our deputies patrolling 24/7. We are hopeful that none of our staff become affected by this virus and are taking precautions just like everyone else.

“With the executive order issued on 3/23/20, many are asking what they can and cannot do. If citizens have work-related questions, they should contact their employer, as they are ultimately responsible. Aside from employment questions, we are simply asking people to do their part in this crisis. We anticipate receiving complaints about violations of the executive order. It is law enforcement’s understanding that these complaints will be investigated and turned over to the Office of the Michigan Attorney General.

“We live in a community that so many can only visit once a year while on vacation,” Mast said. “This is an opportunity for us to enjoy many of the outdoor venues we have in our county, and a little fresh air is good for all of us.

“If citizens have questions regarding the executive order specifics they may call the Governor’s constituent services at (517) 335-7858.”

Governor Whitmer signed a “Stay Home, Stay Safe” Executive Order (EO 2020-21), Monday, March 23, directing all Michigan businesses and operations to temporarily suspend in-person operations that are not necessary to sustain or protect life. The order also directs Michiganders to stay in their homes unless they’re a part of that critical infrastructure workforce, engaged in an outdoor activity, or performing tasks necessary to the health and safety of themselves or their family, like going to the hospital or grocery store.

Effective at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, March 24, for at least the next three weeks, individuals may only leave their home or place of residence under very limited circumstances, and they must adhere to social distancing measures recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention when they do so, including remaining at least six feet from people from outside the individual’s household to the extent feasible under the circumstances.

“In just 13 days, we’ve gone from zero to over 1,000 COVID-19 cases,” said Governor Whitmer Monday. “This is an unprecedented crisis that requires all of us working together to protect our families and our communities. The most effective way we can slow down the virus is to stay home. I know this will be hard, but it will be temporary. If we all come together, get serious, and do our part by staying home, we can stay safe and save lives.”

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