Mask mandate tightened

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has toughened a rule to wear masks during the coronavirus pandemic, mandating that businesses open to the public deny service or entry to customers who refuse to wear one.

The governor also expanded where people must have a face covering beyond indoor public spaces. They must now wear one outdoors if they cannot consistently keep 6 feet from nonhousehold members. A mask is needed while using public transportation, a taxi or a ridesharing vehicle, with some exceptions.

“No shirts, no shoes, no mask — no service,” Whitmer wrote in an order. Violators will be subject to a misdemeanor fine.

Cases have risen in Michigan, and Whitmer said spotty compliance with her monthslong mask requirement is a “big part of the reason.”