The executive order by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer that requires businesses open to the public to deny entry or service to people who refuse to wear a face covering, came into effect a week ago. And business owners, employees and customers are undoubtedly still working to navigate the new rule and adapt to the change.

That’s why we were glad to hear the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity “stands at the ready to provide the tools necessary for business to protect their workers and remain safely open,” a recent press release from Whitmer’s office states.

And one part of LEO’s assistance is providing print-ready posters for businesses to use, as under the governor’s order, businesses must post signs at all entrances instructing customers of their legal obligation to wear a face covering while inside.

It’s also offering a set of online resources such as guidelines, posters for employees and customers, factsheets, educational videos and a reopening checklist to keep workplaces safe at Michigan.gov/COVIDWorkplaceSafety.

We hope businesses will make use of these resources and we urge customers to be mindful and respectful of the mask requirements, as wearing a mask in public is critical to keeping our communities and essential workers safe amid the pandemic.

Modeling from the University of Washington cited in the release showed that more than 40,000 lives would be spared nationwide if 95% of the population wore a mask while in public.

A study conducted by Goldman Sachs cited in the release concluded that a federal mask mandate could save the U.S. economy from a 5% reduction in gross domestic product, or GDP.

It just goes to show that the simple action of wearing a mask can have a massive impact on individuals, families, communities, states, nations and even the entire world.

And anything we can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and protect each other is worth it in our eyes.