After a rocky launch, Michigan now ranks 20th among states in vaccine distribution. But frustration remains because some counties appear to do better than others and demand far outpaces supply.
Mike Wilkinson
Mike has been a reporter for Bridge Michigan since 2013 and focuses on data-assisted reporting, often finding stories by analyzing maps and data sets and has created Bridge's dashboards on COVID-19, the state's economy and Michigan's elections. He held similar positions at The Detroit News and The Blade of Toledo. A native of Michigan, Mike grew up in Macomb County, graduated from the University of Michigan and started his reporting career in New Baltimore before his career took him to Illinois, Tennessee and Ohio. You can reach him at mwilkinson@bridgemi.com
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Robert Gordon out as Michigan health director, as COVID cases plummet
The former Obama official had taken a larger role in fighting the coronavirus after Michigan courts struck down Gov. Whitmer’s power to issue executive orders. He will be succeeded by Elizabeth Hertel.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Michigan to allow indoor dining at 25 percent capacity as COVID eases
Even as Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced limited reopening for the state’s battered bar and restaurant industry starting Feb. 1, she warned that indoor dining will last only so long as COVID remains under control.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan bars, restaurants can reopen Feb. 1 with restrictions, state says
The decision, which will be finalized in the next few days, comes as coronavirus cases decline throughout Michigan. State officials say the ban on indoor dining helped drive down rates. Others aren’t so sure.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan makes gains on COVID vaccines at nursing homes; other seniors wait
Michigan has shown progress in getting nursing home residents and staff vaccinated. But overall, nearly 8 percent of people over 70 have received a COVID vaccine in Michigan.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan defends COVID vaccine rollout, says it’s not as bad as data suggest
Michigan officials blame a reporting lag for vaccine undercounts as federal officials warn that states with poor performance will get fewer doses when reserves are released.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
COVID trends improve in Michigan. Will Whitmer lift restaurant dining ban?
Restrictions due to expire on Friday may have helped Michigan avoid a surge in coronavirus that swept the nation, but its unemployment rate is higher than most states.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
After weeks of positive COVID news, Michigan faces more peril
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and state health officials note a rise in cases and positivity rates, and worry about a new variant of the coronavirus as well as a possible post-holiday spike.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan opens COVID vaccine to those 65 and older, other frontline workers
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer defended the state’s uneven vaccine distribution program. The expanded list of people who can get vaccines starting next week includes police, teachers and others more at risk.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Thousands of Michigan health workers are turning down COVID vaccines
Some frontline health care workers and first responders are reluctant to take the vaccine, contributing to Michigan having one of the lowest COVID-19 vaccination rates in the nation.