A new order from MDHHS is requiring restaurants to collect contact information from patrons, in case there is a COVID-19 outbreak and they need to be reached. | Pixabay
A new order from MDHHS is requiring restaurants to collect contact information from patrons, in case there is a COVID-19 outbreak and they need to be reached. | Pixabay
Officials from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced that they would be easing contact tracing restrictions for businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, no longer requiring them to demand personal information from customers who refuse to provide it.
In addition, businesses are not to be held liable for information provided that is false.
A report by Michigan Capitol Confidential said the clarification by the health department took effect on Nov. 2.
Instead health officials are “encouraging” businesses to deny entry to customers who refuse to provide personal information, including their name and phone number, so that patrons exposed to the COVID-19 virus can be tracked and potentially asked to quarantine.
The new rule applies most commonly to restaurants, but also includes other businesses, such as barbershops, tattoo parlors, women’s cosmetology services, recreational sports centers, performance venues and in-home service providers, such as cleaners and repair people, according to Michigan Capitol Confidential.
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