Wakeman sent a letter to Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Director Elizabeth Hertel sharing concerns on behalf of the many local families who have reached out to his office in opposition.

“While we all understand that the recent surge in COVID-19 cases must be taken seriously, my constituents and I fail to see the need to change the rules for young children – especially considering no data has been provided to indicate a need for the new requirement targeted specifically at 2- to 4-year-olds,” Wakeman wrote. “If such data exists, I respectfully ask that you share it with Michigan families and equip them with the information they need to make the decisions that are right for the safety of their children.”

Data from the state shows children ages 9 and younger make up 11.5 percent of Michigan’s population, but they account for just 3.7 percent of the state’s COVID cases, less than 1 percent of hospitalizations and less than 0.1 percent of COVID deaths, as of April 23rd.

The new order requiring children as young as 2 years old to wear face masks while in childcare or at camp in Michigan was issued by MDHHS on April 16. It is set to take effect Monday, April 26.