News Staff Writers
ALPENA The number of positive COVID-19 tests among Northeast Michiganders has dropped markedly in recent weeks, but so has the number of coronavirus tests being requested by local residents.
After averaging 107 tests a day in November and December, in January an average of 89 coronavirus tests were administered to Alpena County residents, according to data provided by the state.
In the past week, that average fell to 65 tests per day.
Outlying counties followed the same trend, although less noticeably.
About 70 Presque Isle County residents were tested per day in November. That rate declined to 54 per day in December, and fell still further to about 32 per day in January.
cnelson@thealpenanews.com
Courtesy Image
An illustration of the coronavirus provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
ALPENA Two more Northeast Michigan residents have died and six more have been infected with COVID-19, local public health officials said today.
Meanwhile, Michigan residents who receive food assistance from the state can use their benefits at restaurants, officials said today. That could give a boost to those businesses, which are prohibited from offering indoor dining because of coronavirus restrictions imposed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s administration.
And water shutoffs will be banned through March under legislation signed into law today by Whitmer, part of the state’s efforts to help those who’ve lost their job or are otherwise struggling because of the pandemic.