Michigan COVID-19 cases are expected to increase through May
Coronavirus cases in Michigan are expected to increase through May, state health officials warned Thursday as transmission of the highly contagious BA.2 omicron subvariant increases.
The daily average of newly confirmed and probable cases in the state has increased 108% in the last three weeks. The average number of new daily cases was 1,496 in the seven-day period from 14-20. April, according to State Department of Health. As of March 30, the average of seven days of new daily cases was 718.
And that is only for the test results reported to the State Department of Health. Many more people are likely to test at home using rapid antigen tests and do not report the results.
“While we wish we could avoid this type of increase in cases, the good news is that we have excellent, effective tools for traveling safely and gathering with our loved ones and preventing serious outcomes from COVID-19,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, state health agency executive director in a statement.
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COVID-19 hospital admissions in Michigan are also increasing.
On Wednesday, the state Department of Health reported that 461 adults and children were hospitalized with confirmed cases of the virus – a 19% increase from March 31, when there were 389.
Hospital admissions and death rates from this wave are not expected to reach peaks seen during the omicron rise in January due to vaccinations, booster shots and immunity from the last rise in cases.
With prom, graduations and Mother’s Day approaching, Bagdasarian urged people to be aware of the increasing rate of infection in order to make personal decisions to reduce the risk, such as wearing a mask, filling up on home tests and considering whether to avoid large indoor gatherings. .
“We encourage Michigan residents to make a COVID-19 plan: Have masks and over-the-counter samples on hand, talk to your doctor in advance to find out if you are eligible for treatments if you are infected, and make sure , that you are up.-to date on vaccines, she said. “We recommend Michiganders to test if they have symptoms or if they have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, and to stay home if they are sick. “
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State health officials recommend coronavirus testing before and after travel, as well as prior to group parties and gatherings, especially if family and friends at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 attend.
The National Board of Health recommends:
Get vaccinated against COVID-19. Learn more about vaccines, booster eligibility and whether you are up to date Michigan.gov/COVIDVaccine.
Learn about treatment options. If you test positive for the virus, talk to your doctor about whether you meet the eligibility criteria for COVID-19 therapeutic and preventative treatments such as antibody or antiviral medication.
Get tested if you are exposed or have symptoms. If you are seeking testing because you have symptoms or have potentially been exposed to the virus, stay away from others while you wait for the test results. Find a test site at Michigan.gov/COVIDTest.
Insulate and quarantine. If you test positive, or if you are ill, or if you have recently been exposed to COVID-19, follow the CDC’s isolation and quarantine guidelines: https://bit.ly/3xFOmlq.
Take steps to protect yourself. Understand risk levels and stay informed about transfer in your community. Ensure good hygiene and hand washing. Stay home when you are sick and stay up to date with vaccinations. Consider wearing a mask when transmission speed increases, and avoid indoor, large public gatherings when case frequency is high.
Contact Kristen Shamus: [email protected] Follow her on Twitter @kristenshamus.
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