Michigan Health Officials Raise Alarm Over Rising COVID-19 Cases

DETROIT, MI – Michigan health officials say they are concerned about a recent increase in COVID-19 cases across the state and are encouraging vigilance in mask wearing and testing.

Speaking at a press conference Friday morning, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said Michigan has administered 3,310,162 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, which amounts to one in four Michiganders over the age of 16 who have been vaccinated.

While the state's vaccination efforts are moving forward, Whitmer expressed concern about the recent increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases, including 756 confirmed cases of the B.1.1.7 (UK) variant and two confirmed cases of the 501.V2 (South Africa) variant. Michigan has the second highest number of cases of the UK variant in the U.S., after Florida.

Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive for Michigan, expressed concern Friday for the growing number of confirmed cases that have been attributed to high school athletics.

"While we're making great progress with our vaccination efforts, and many people are doing the right thing by wearing masks and not gathering in large groups, what we are seeing now is concerning data that we are going in the wrong direction," she said.

In January and February, local health departments identified 315 COVID-19 outbreaks associated with different sports teams related to clubs, schools and recreation sports.

"This is concerning," Khaldun said. "Outbreaks in these age groups can have an impact on our children's education."

A new executive order that will go into effect on Monday will require youth athletes ages 13-19 to participate in a weekly testing program in order to participate in sports practices or competitions, Khaldun said.

The new order will also permit gatherings in outdoor stadiums up to 20 percent capacity if they establish an appropriate infection control plan.

Following recent CDC guidance, the executive order will also allow mask removal in residential settings where everyone is vaccinated, meaning at least two weeks after receiving the second and final vaccine dose.

"Last week's numbers are a reality check that COVID-19 is not yet behind us," Whitmer said. "We might be seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, but we are still in the tunnel."

COVID-19 in Michigan by the numbers:

• Case rates are now at 173 cases per million, and having been increasing for the past four weeks.
• Case rates have increased 77 percent since mid-February across all age groups, but the 10-19 age group has seen largest increase.
• The test positivity rate is now at 6.2 percent, which is up 177 percent since mid-February.
• There has been an increase in hospitalization rates over two weeks, with 4.9 percent of available beds are being used for COVID-19 patients.
• Many cases are related to outbreaks, which have increased 9 percent from previous week to 645.
• For the first time since they state started tracking outbreaks, last week those in K-12 settings exceeded those in long-term care facilities.

Officials are still tracking multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MISC), a serious condition that appears to be linked to COVID-19. To date, 89 cases of MISC have been identified in Michigan children.

Michigan vaccine progress by the numbers:

• More than 26 percent of people 16+ have received the first dose
• More than 61 percent of people 65+ have received the first dose
• Almost 15 percent of people 16+ are fully vaccinated

The Ford Field mass vaccination site will open next week and will be able to provide 6,000 doses per day for eight weeks.

To schedule an appointment, text EndCOVID to 75049 or visit michigan.gov/coovidvaccine.

"Everyone who wants to get a vaccine will be able to get one," Whitmer said.