As COVID-19 Vaccinations Slowly Increase in Michigan, Whitmer Optimistic End Is in Sight
Health official says residents should mask up until they get fully vaccinated.
One year after Michigan detected its first COVID-19 infection, the coronavirus still controls policy in the state.
In an address Wednesday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer acknowledged how life has changed during the pandemic and how getting vaccinated is the path forward.
“With three safe, effective vaccines, and more on the way, we’re going to get through this together. Michigan will continue following the science, leading with data and listening to the experts as we make decisions on further re-engagement.”
“We’re making good progress toward our goal of equitably vaccinating 70% of Michiganders, ages 16 and up. There’s still work to be done.” –Gov. Gretchen Whitmer
Whitmer said the end is in sight.
“We have been through a lot, but I know our best days are ahead of us. We’re making good progress toward our goal of equitably vaccinating 70% of Michiganders, ages 16 and up. There’s still work to be done.”
The virus was first detected in Michigan one year ago today, and since then there have been more than 601,000 confirmed cases and 15,700 confirmed deaths in the state.
The Path Forward
The pandemic is far from over.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services rolled back regulations on restaurant capacity among others at the beginning of February. Since then, the number of new cases and hospitalizations has risen.
Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun says health officials are monitoring the presence of two more-contagious coronavirus variants in Michigan.
“If these new variants become more prevalent, we risk having a rapid rise in new cases, hospitalizations and deaths,” she said.
Still the number of vaccinations in Michigan continues to slowly increase — with Khaldun saying 2.7 million doses have been administered so far. Cities, health departments and people who want the inoculations have complained about not being able to get the shot. Supplies of the drugs are expected to increase over the next several weeks.
Khaldun says residents should mask up until they get fully vaccinated.
“That means if we want our kids in school and to stay in school, if we want to do more activities without masks, if we want our businesses to reopen more and stay open, getting vaccinated is the path forward.”
Khaldun says 21% of Michigan’s 16+ population has received at least one shot. Still, many areas are plagued by a short supply of the inoculations. The Biden Administration has promised there will be 300 million doses available by the end of May — that’s enough to vaccinate everyone in the country.
Khaldun says fully vaccinated people — those who are two weeks removed from their second inoculation — can be more social.
“So people who are fully vaccinated, you can do more activities. This includes gathering without a mask on with other fully vaccinated people. And you can gather with one other unvaccinated household, as long as no one in that household is at risk of severe illness due to COVID-19.”
Whitmer said she’s still willing to work with Republicans in the Legislature on a COVID-19 funding plan.
“I stand ready to work across the aisle to get things done for Michigan’s families and small businesses as we work to pass a budget and spend the federal relief dollars headed our way.”
That’s after she made line-item vetoes in budget bills. She struck out conditions to limit her emergency powers.
Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey said earlier this week the Legislature will send a new bill to Whitmer’s desk.
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