For now, though, the Whitmer administration suggests that current measures which include an increase in vaccines and pleas for residents to take personal responsibility will best curb the virus’ spread.
“While we see our positive numbers high, it’s nothing like what we saw last fall, or last spring in terms of mortality rates, in terms of what it’s meaning for people who are being on ventilators, so that s very positive,” Whitmer told reporters Wednesday. “We bought a lot of time. Now we have vaccines and that s where we ve got to spend our energy.”
Michigan reported 8,015 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 Wednesday, the eighth most reported in a single day since the pandemic began. The state continues to lead the nation in case and hospitalization rates and in the rate of people testing positive for the virus.
Associated Press
Elizabeth Hertel, director of the state health department addresses the state Feb. 4 in Lansing, Mich. (Michigan Office of the Governor via AP, File)
DETROIT (AP) Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s administration is focusing on getting more people vaccinated, not imposing new restrictions on the economy, despite a wave of COVID-19 cases and crowded hospitals, Michigan’s health director said Wednesday.
Elizabeth Hertel noted that indoor high school sports, a source of infections, are wrapping up soon, and spring sports are outdoors where close contact is less likely. All teen athletes must be regularly tested, a rule that began Friday.
Credit Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
Hertel added that MDHHS is encouraging school districts to move middle schools and high schools to virtual learning for one or two weeks after spring breaks to slow the spread of the variant among young age groups.
As of April 3, Michigan had the highest increase in COVID-19 related hospital admissions among its Midwestern neighbors.
More than 3,300 people are currently hospitalized with COVID-19 in Michigan and those numbers are going up in all regions of the state. Deaths lag behind but are inching upwards with a 75% increase since the March 9 low.
According to MDHHS, Region 6, which covers parts of West Michigan, saw its hospitalizations double in seven days.
Michigan Dealing With The Worst Covid Outbreak In The Country—Here s Why forbes.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from forbes.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
ED WHITE
DETROIT Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s administration is focusing on getting more people vaccinated, not imposing new restrictions on the economy, despite a wave of COVID-19 cases and crowded hospitals, Michigan’s health director said Wednesday.
Elizabeth Hertel noted that indoor high school sports, a source of infections, are wrapping up soon, and spring sports are outdoors, where close contact is less likely. All teen athletes must be regularly tested, a rule that took effect Friday.
Hertel spoke to reporters while more unflattering statistics emerged. Michigan was No. 1 in the U.S. for new COVID-19 cases: More than 46,000, or 469 per 100,000 people, in the last seven days, the federal government reported Wednesday, far ahead of New Jersey at 321.