Michigan’s top health officials spoke Wednesday about the possibility of a mask mandate, the state’s “high” COVID-19 transmission rate, the spread of the delta variant and a third dose of the vaccine.

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Michigan’s top doctor was questioned repeatedly Wednesday about why the state hasn’t issued a mask mandate if it could help slow the spread of the COVID delta variant, particularly in schools.

Michigan’s top health officials spoke Wednesday about the possibility of a mask mandate, the state’s “high” COVID-19 transmission rate, the spread of the delta variant and a third dose of the vaccine.

Michigan health officials provided an update Wednesday morning on the status of COVID-19 in the state as the delta virus variant fuels increased infection and hospitalization rates.

Michigan's health director says the state is focusing on getting more people vaccinated, not imposing new restrictions on the economy, despite a wave of COVID-19 cases.

Gretchen Whitmer is planning to hold a news conference Friday morning to provide an update on Michigan’s efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Whitmer will be joined by Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun. A screenshot of Covid Act Now's map of the U.S. with states color-coded according to their "Covid Risk Level." Michigan is labeled as "at risk" of a COVID outbreak, while most other states are considered to be experiencing an "active or imminent outbreak," according to data. Photo courtesy of Covid Act Now's website.

National trends and how Michigan comparesMichigan has the 23rd highest number of confirmed COVID-19 cases of any state in the last seven days. There were 480 COVID-19 deaths between Jan. 3 and Jan. 9, and the death rate is 8.9 deaths per million residents. We have seen a long decline in COVID-19 cases since the end of November, however, since around Christmas, that decline has plateaued. COVID-19 spread in MichiganThe number of weekly reported COVID-19 cases to public health is remaining about the same. The variant gives Lyon-Callo cause for concern because instead of maintaining a decline in case rate, Michigan might see an increase in trajectory.

Michigan residents between the ages of 30-49 years old continue to record the highest new virus cases per million residents. Specifically, daily new COVID cases have been the highest among those 30-39 years old on average in recent weeks. However, in the last four weeks, COVID cases per million have decreased for all age groups in the state. Michigan COVID hospitalizationsMore than 18.7% of available inpatient beds were filled with COVID patients in Michigan over the last week. Michigan residents over the age of 80 years continue to see the highest virus deaths per million residents.

She took a deep dive into the data and brought to light some trends that were either not highlighted before or have evolved to become more alarming. Nov. 18, 2020: Michigan coronavirus cases up to 277,806; Death toll now at 8,190In September, there were many areas with under 20 daily new cases of coronavirus per million people. Currently, all counties in the state are seeing over 150 daily new cases per million residents. Related: Michigan COVID-19 data: Cases and deaths by race, ethnicityThere was also a fall in childhood preventative services -- like lead testing and vaccination in the spring -- but they’re seeing some rebound. READ: Tracking Michigan COVID-19 hospitalization data trends

Michigan has the fifth highest number of COVID-19 deaths in the nation, with 8,128 as of Tuesday (Nov. 17). Michigan’s current COVID-19 trajectoryThe case rate per million people for COVID-19 is now above 500 cases per million, and continues to climb. COVID-19 cases, deaths by onset dateLyon-Callo said the information she’s most interested in as an epidemiologist is understanding when someone became ill. MDHHS is adding staff and working to investigate as many COVID-19 cases as possible -- both at the local and state levels. Officials are reaching 45% of known contacts of COVID-19 cases within one day -- a percentage that has increased.

Michigan has the fifth highest number of COVID-19 deaths in the nation, with 8,128 as of Tuesday (Nov. 17). Michigan’s current COVID-19 trajectoryThe case rate per million people for COVID-19 is now above 500 cases per million, and continues to climb. COVID-19 cases, deaths by onset dateLyon-Callo said the information she’s most interested in as an epidemiologist is understanding when someone became ill. MDHHS is adding staff and working to investigate as many COVID-19 cases as possible -- both at the local and state levels. Officials are reaching 45% of known contacts of COVID-19 cases within one day -- a percentage that has increased.

LANSING, Mich. – A Michigan epidemiologist is joining health officials Wednesday to talk about COVID-19 trends across the state. Sarah Lyon-Callo, the Director of the Bureau of Epidemiology and Population Health at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, is set to discuss the rapid spread of the virus. Coronavirus in Michigan: Here’s what to know Nov. 18, 2020She will also talk about testing, disease trends, outbreaks, hospitalizations, deaths and the trajectory of the virus in Michigan. On Tuesday, Michigan officials reported 7,458 new cases and 79 additional deaths. The state has confirmed 272,034 COVID-19 cases and 8,128 deaths since the start of the pandemic.