DETROIT – Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is hinting at easing the state’s COVID-19 restrictions.
Her comments come as cases here in Michigan seem to have leveled off as the number of vaccinations goes up.
The governor mentioned the possibility that restrictions could be reduced as virus case numbers decrease.
“We are continuing to monitor what the CDC is recommending and our data here in Michigan and I would anticipate forthcoming policy changes potentially that will feel a little bit more normal for all of us,” said Whitmer.
The governor knows Michigan is COVID fatigued and as the temperatures turn warmer and now just under 50 percent of the state’s adults have at least one dose of the vaccine she’s encouraged.
“We’re starting to see our numbers come down which is good. I know that we’re all happy to see that we gotta keep taking it seriously. The CDC is continually updating the recommendations as we learn more about the virus and we learn more about the efficacy and impact and longevity of the vaccines,” said Whitmer.
Health experts recommend everyone get the second dose of the vaccine which is a booster and helps provide the highest efficacy.
The number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Michigan has risen to 829,520 as of Tuesday, including 17,429 deaths, state officials report.
DETAILS: Michigan coronavirus cases up to 829,520; Death toll now at 17,429
Tuesday’s update includes a total of 3,676 new cases and 105 additional deaths, including 48 from review of Vital Records.
Testing has been steady around 35,000 diagnostic tests reported per day on average, with the 7-day positive rate above 11% as of Tuesday, lower than one week ago. Hospitalizations have plateaued over the last week but remain high.
Overall, new cases have slowed over the last 10 days. The state’s 7-day moving average for daily cases was 4,340 on Tuesday -- lower than one week ago. The 7-day death average was 66 on Tuesday, slightly higher than the last two weeks. The state’s fatality rate is 2.1%. The state also reports “active cases,” which were listed at 185,000 on Tuesday. More than 626,000 have recovered in Michigan.