More people are getting vaccines and hospitalizations and deaths are dropping, but scientists are keeping a close eye on new coronavirus variants detected in Michigan.
Robin Erb
Robin Erb covers a range of health issues in Michigan, including the industry of aging and the issues facing older residents in Michigan, a state that is aging faster than most others. She joined Bridge in 2019 and has led investigations that tracked millions of dollars in opioid settlement money and explored severe worker shortages in health care that threaten lives and the state's economy. She chronicled the shock and grief of Michigan families in COVID’s wake, as well as state policy decisions and the triumphs of medical breakthroughs. Robin previously spent six years covering health at the Detroit Free Press, documenting the battle over, and the eventual passage of, the Affordable Care Act and Michigan's Medicaid expansion. She studied communications and political science at Miami University and has a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Lourdes University (Toledo, Ohio). She and her husband raised two wonderful children — but have failed miserably at training their Beagle-Bassets — in southeast Michigan. Reach her at rerb@bridgemi.com.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
FDA ends pause on J & J vaccine for COVID, but with warning to women
The Johnson and Johnson vaccine is cleared for use after a temporary pause following rare cases of blood clot issues in women. But some experts fear the public may be hesitant to take it.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
As Michigan COVID vaccine rates ebb, pop up clinics and casino cash appear
Michigan health authorities are getting creative to get more people vaccinated in a race to achieve herd immunity. That requires transition to the more difficult work of promoting vaccines in some unexpected places.
Posted inUrban Affairs
Michigan hails Chauvin conviction as ‘a victory for Black and brown lives’
Many couldn’t watch. Others reminded themselves to breathe. When a former Minnesota police officer was convicted of George Floyd’s murder, they said they could exhale. For now.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Whitmer may be right. Michigan may have turned the corner on COVID surge.
Even as hospitalizations peak and the state tops in the nation with cases, some signs indicate the worst may be over with this latest surge. What does that mean? It depends who’s asking.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Mask up, Michigan toddlers! State expands COVID orders to 2-year-olds
Michigan’s mask order was extended Friday, to maybe no one’s surprise. The wrinkle? Requiring 2- and 3-year-olds to mask. But is it practical?
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Three Michigan people who died after vaccine actually had earlier COVID
A more detailed review also shows COVID may not even have been the cause of their deaths. Though rare, “breakout infections” are a reminder to maintain safety protocols, even if you have been vaccinated.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Halted vaccine was key to reaching hard-to-reach Michigan. Now what?
The Johnson and Johnson vaccine helped health workers reach rural and island residents, the homeless, agricultural workers and freighter crews — people more likely to need a single-dose vaccine. The vaccine’s halt Tuesday complicates the state’s path to herd immunity.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan pauses J & J vaccine, prompting scramble in state’s rollout
Federal authorities urged a temporary halt to the Johnson and Johnson vaccine amid reports of rare complications. The one-dose vaccine had been used to reach many rural residents, home-bound seniors, and college students.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Whitmer pleads for more COVID compliance. So far, Michigan isn’t listening
Even as the Centers for Disease Control urges Michigan to close down part of its economy to stop a dangerous COVID spike, residents seem done with restrictions.