Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has issued an executive order protecting workers from adverse employment actions if they stay at home because they or individuals they have close contact with have tested positive for COVID-19 or are exhibiting symptoms until certain timelines have passed. Under the order, employers must treat these employees as if they were taking leave under the state’s Paid Medical Leave Act, but may not limit the amount of leave, whether paid or unpaid as provided under the Act, so long as the employee is taking the leave for reasons allowed under the order. Like many other executive orders issued throughout the country, Michigan's makes exception for those working in critical occupations such as medical workers and first responders.