The price for violating Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s stay-at-home order just went up.

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Director Robert Gordon issued an emergency order Thursday setting a $1,000 civil fine to go into immediate effect for violating any of three of Whitmer’s recent executive orders in response to the novel coronavirus pandemic. The fine can be applied for each violation or day the violation continues.

That means violators of the governor’s stay-at-home order could face up to a $1,000 civil fine, a $500 criminal fine and 90 days in jail together.

If it’s a nonessential business still operating, under Whitmer’s order they could face a forced closure. Under Gordon’s, violators also will be referred to any licensing agency that may regulate them for additional action.

The new civil rule applies to the “stay at home” order, which prohibits in-person work not necessary to protect life, all gatherings not amongst a household and limits travel.

It also applies to the governor’s orders prohibiting assemblies of more than 50 people and forcing the on-premise use of bars, restaurants, gyms and other venues.

It does not apply to places of worship, when used for worship.

More:Here's what enforcement of coronavirus 'stay home' order will look like

More:Michigan surpasses 10,000 coronavirus cases, with 417 deaths

The global pandemic had reached epidemic levels in Michigan, Gordon said in his order. More than 400 deaths and more than 10,000 cases of COVID-19 were reported in the state as of his issuance.

Thousands more are likely infected but not tested, he said in the order. Hospitals in regions with the most cases are near or at capacity as convention centers and dormitories are prepped to take the overflow.

“A person can have coronavirus without knowing it,” Gordon said in a press release issued Thursday night. “They can spread the disease to others who can spread it to others.

“The only way to stop the spread is social distancing. A civil penalty and potential licensing actions send a strong message to Michiganders that social distancing is essential to saving lives.”

Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, the state’s chief medical executive and chief deputy for health, in the press release also called on Michiganders to heed the governor’s orders.

“There is not a vaccine or a recognized treatment for COVID-19 and our healthcare system is being severely taxed by this pandemic,” she said.

Law enforcement, county prosecutors and health departments are empowered to work together to enforce the order, according to the press release.

Contact Darcie Moran: dmoran@freepress.com.