As Cold Weather Approaches, Mayor Mike Duggan Urges Detroiters to Get Vaccinated
Mayor Mike Duggan says if the delta variant continues to migrate over the next two months, Detroiters “could lose another holiday season with our families.”
The number of COVID-19 infections is rising in Michigan, and Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan is sounding the alarm.
Duggan says the more-contagious delta variant is concentrated in areas just outside of Metro Detroit.
“If this continues to migrate over the next two months, we could lose another holiday season with our families. And I think right now, that is a very definite possibility,” he said Wednesday.
Chief Public Health Officer Denise Fair echoed the mayor’s concerns.
“The holidays are coming. We’re going to be spending more time indoors with our family and our friends … and we do know that if you’re indoors COVID is easily transmittable, and so we encourage you to get the vaccine course,” she said.
She also recommended that residents wear masks indoors in a public setting regardless of vaccination status.
Just 45% of Detroit residents are vaccinated, compared to the state’s 58% vaccination rate.
COVID-19 infections are on the rise in Michigan, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Over the past two days, the state has seen an additional 6,700 new coronavirus infections and 100 more deaths.
Southeast Michigan hasn’t been hit hard by the delta variant wave, but Duggan said that will likely change if residents don’t get vaccinated.
“I don’t know how to say this any stronger than I can. In all likelihood COVID is going to be running throughout southeastern Michigan in the next couple of months. … so if you haven’t been vaccinated, get vaccinated now.” –Mayor Mike Duggan
“I don’t know how to say this any stronger than I can. In all likelihood COVID is going to be running throughout southeastern Michigan in the next couple of months. It is going to be terrible, this delta variant to the unvaccinated, and so if you haven’t been vaccinated, get vaccinated now,” he said.
Lagging behind in vaccination rates, Detroit’s mayor is urging residents who have already been inoculated to get a booster shot.
Duggan says those who received the Pfizer vaccine, are older than 65 or who have pre-existing conditions are immediately eligible for the booster, following the authorization by federal regulators of Pfizer booster shots for broad swaths of the general population, including older and at-risk Americans.
The delta variant of COVID-19 is spurring outbreaks across the Midwest. Duggan warns that further mitigation efforts might be needed if the pandemic worsens in Southeast Michigan.
Where to Get a Third Dose of the Vaccine in Detroit
Booster shots will be available at all City of Detroit vaccination sites including all 10 walk-in centers, as well as home visits. See below for a full list.
Appointments are encouraged for all vaccination sites and can be made by calling 313-230-0505 or scheduling an appointment online. Walk-ins are also welcome. Detroiters should bring their vaccination cards to the appointment.
Weekday Walk-in Locations, Monday through Friday
Farwell Rec. Center, 2711 E. Outer Drive
Samaritan Center, 5555 Conner Ave
Clemente Rec Center, 2631 Bagley
Clark Park, 1130 Clark Ave
NW Activities Center, 18100 Meyers
Weekday Appointment Only Location, Monday through Friday
TCF Center, 89 Steve Yzerman Drive
Community Saturday Locations
Greater Emmanuel Church, 19190 Schaefer
New Providence Church, 18211 Plymouth
Galilee Missionary Baptist, 5251 E. Outer Drive
Triumph Church East Campus, 2760 E. Grand Blvd
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