Detroit’s COVID-19 Hospitalizations on the Rise

The trend follows a recent uptick in cases statewide. City officials say while the city’s infection rate is lower than its surrounding suburbs, there’s still reason for concern.

Detroit’s daily COVID-19 hospitalizations are up 50% over the last two weeks. That’s about 60 hospitalizations every day, according to city health officials.

The trend follows a recent uptick in cases statewide with notable hotspots in the Upper Peninsula and Washtenaw County, which issued a two-week “stay in place” order for University of Michigan undergraduate students this week.

As cases across the state continue to surge, Governor Gretchen Whitmer addressed Michigan residents in a press conference on Wednesday, saying that she is “sounding the alarm bell.”

“We are in a dangerous moment, where there’s the possibility of it just becoming community spread that becomes out of control. We’re seeing that in a lot of our neighboring states. That’s what we’re trying to avoid,” said Whitmer.

Detroit Public Health Director Denise Fair says while the city’s infection rate is lower than its surrounding suburbs, there’s still reason for concern. “The pandemic is far from over, and so I’m encouraging everyone to do their part to limit social interactions as much as possible, says Fair. 

Fair is encouraging residents to re-think their holiday plans if they intend to have large indoor gatherings, including Thanksgiving and Christmas. She says that applies to Christmas as well as Thanksgiving.

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Author

  • Eli Newman
    Eli Newman is a Reporter/Producer for 101.9 WDET, covering breaking news, politics and community affairs. His favorite Motown track is “It’s The Same Old Song” by the Four Tops.