The state of Michigan is updating its mask mandate to include kids ages 2-4 who now have to wear a mask, which goes into effect today.

This age group was exempt from the mask rule (given by the state’s health department, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services) with now a new order in its place requiring younger kids to wear the face covering until May 24, according to a Fox 2 report.

The new mask rule is to help combat the rising COVID-19 rates that are being found in kids, as well as a “recent spike in pediatric hospitalizations linked to the virus” per the article.

Recently, the Michigan Hospital Association revealed state data that showed 70 children had been hospitalized with COVID-19, a result of the continuous spread of COVID-19, which has been tied to the rise of different variants and a decrease in mask-wearing and social distancing.

At least 10 kids in the state have died from the virus, according to CovKid project in the article.

Read the full story here.