October 23, 2020

Media Contact: Kristina Wieghmink, public information officer
kwieghmink@miottawa.org I mobile/text 616-510-8523

NEWS RELEASE: Final cease-and-desist order issued to Libertas Christian School in Hudsonville

The Ottawa County Department of Public Health (OCDPH) has a lawful duty to continually and diligently endeavor to prevent disease, prolong life and promote public health. It is a priority of the OCDPH to partner with the Ottawa County community by working together to slow the spread of COVID-19. Through greater awareness of disease prevention methods and timely identification of those who may be carriers of the new coronavirus, we can be successful in getting through this pandemic and staying open.

The OCDPH provides data and scientific evidence as educational tools for people to make informed decisions about their health and how to best protect the community. Unfortunately, not all individuals are focused on shared minimal sacrifice for the sake of the common good. Rather, some are refusing to wear masks when in close contact, refusing to provide close contact information or even report positive COVID-19 status—all as required by the Public Health Code and necessary to mitigate the pandemic and avoid another State shelter in place order.  

“It is my responsibility—in my capacity as a public health official—to help people in our community remain as safe as possible during a pandemic using the best information we currently have available about our common opponent the novel coronavirus,” said OCDPH Deputy Health Administrator Marcia Mansaray.

On Thursday, October 22, 2020, the OCDPH issued a final cease-and-desist order to Libertas Christian School in Hudsonville where there is an ongoing outbreak of COVID-19, and the school refuses to mask or engage in social distancing. The OCDPH made numerous attempts over the last several weeks trying to partner with the school and contain the spread of the virus. However, by their willful failure to provide information about the people who may have been exposed to COVID-19—and not requiring students and staff to adhere to the health and safety mandates issued by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, including quarantining—the OCDPH had a legal obligation to pursue further action.

“We endeavor to work with all schools and businesses to help provide education about COVID-19 and ask for them to partner with us by following the proven public health methods to slow the spread of disease,” said OCDPH Administrative Health Officer Lisa Stefanovsky. “In addition to our diligent disease investigation process, we had numerous fearful individuals reach out to us concerned about health and safety in an environment that was not working to protect them. We hear those voices and take seriously our duty to protect our community.”

The OCDPH is not able to provide any further details, at this time, due to pending litigations. Public health officials will continue to work with the Ottawa County Corporate Counsel in the litigation matters to develop solutions that will protect the health and safety of all members of the community.

More information about Ottawa County's COVID-19 response at www.miOttawa.org/coronavirus. 

Libertas Final Cease-and-Desist Order