There are 1,500 pediatric COVID cases diagnosed every day.

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That’s according to data from the Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA). The data shows that the number of children hospitalized with severe COVID-19 symptoms hit a high of 70 this week.

The state of Michigan reported more than 7,800 new coronavirus cases Friday afternoon.

New COVID-19 cases are surging again in Michigan, and an increase in hospitalizations is being felt, this time from a younger age group. The 7-day average for new cases and positive test rates are at the highest point since December. The number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Michigan has risen to 652,569 as of Saturday, including 16,026 deaths, state officials report. On Friday, the state reported 647,899 total cases and 16,004 deaths. AdThe State of Michigan reported a total of 569,460 recoveries on Saturday.

Michigan’s COVID-19 hospitalizations are on the rise again -- but data shows it’s younger age groups who are driving the increase. Inpatient data collected by the Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA) shows hospitalizations increased by 633% for adults ages 30-39 and by 800% for adults ages 40-49. (MHA)Groups under the age of 50 are among the lowest vaccinated groups in Michigan right now as eligibility expands for the 16 and older groups. AdMore: Tracking Michigan COVID-19 hospitalization data trends“Michigan is making progress at ultimately defeating the COVID-19 pandemic through increasing vaccination rates, but the war is not yet over,” said MHA Chief Medical Officer Gary Roth, DO. While you wait your turn for your safe and effective vaccine, mask up, practice social distancing and wash your hands.”AdDeeper dive: Special COVID-19 data section

To see meaningful change that truly alleviates stress on the healthcare system, we urge the state to extend protections through the holiday season. Michigan was on the path to record COVID-19 case rates, deaths and hospitalizations when this order was adopted in November. Today, our hospitals continue to face critical healthcare worker staffing shortages and troubling bed capacity numbers. Our teams on the front lines are exhausted as this second surge continues; we never truly recovered from the first. All of us wish this holiday season could be normal.

Michigan hospitals are rapidly filling with COVID-19 patients once again, and experts are warning residents that if this trend continues, it will be disastrous for the state’s health care system. The MHA represents all the hospitals and health systems throughout Michigan. “Our hospitals are rapidly filling with COVID-19 patients at a very alarming rate,” Peters said. He and other state health care leaders are concerned about what’s ahead for hospitals if the trends don’t reverse. The health care system can capsize if you don’t keep it under control.”