The report from the Michigan Auditor General places the death toll in long-term care higher than the state’s official count, but notes that some of those may be at facilities not required to report.
Michigan Health Watch
In-depth reporting on the intersection between public policy and important health topics ‒ such as insurance coverage, hospital admissions, opioid abuse, access to care, medical research and the business of health care ‒ that impact nearly every Michigan resident.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan to end most contact tracing as COVID overwhelms effort
The state will stop trying to contact everybody infected or exposed to COVID — something it has not been able to effectively do for some time. It will now focus on schools, nursing homes, prisons and other congregate settings.
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Michigan accused of undercounting COVID deaths in long-term care facilities
The head of the state’s health department says she stands by the data, claiming a state auditor general review is politically motivated.
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Beyond code red: Michigan hospitals wilt under double wave of COVID cases
For many hospital systems, this new surge arrives as thousands of hospital workers themselves are testing positive for the virus, putting a further strain on staffing.
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At-home COVID tests to be covered by Michigan insurers. Here’s what to know.
On Saturday, a new federal policy allows consumers to purchase up to eight at-home tests a month with insurance. It’s intended to make at-home testing cheaper, but there is some devil in the details.
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Worst yet to come with omicron in Michigan, officials warn
‘This is a very dangerous time,’ as models forecast as many as 8,000 patients by the end of January.
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Michigan follows CDC lead, cuts quarantine guidance for schools
Students, teachers and staffers could return to school in five days rather than 10 under most circumstances.
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COVID treatment pills in Michigan. But only a few will get them, for now.
Short supplies nationally and tight eligibility limitations for Paxlovid and molnupiravier will restrict access to the most vulnerable (which includes some unvaccinated patients).
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Michigan kids ages 12 to 15 now poised to be eligible for COVID boosters
The decision by the CDC’s vaccine advisory board must get the final okay from CDC’s director, but convincing parents may be a whole other matter.
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Can at-home COVID tests be trusted with omicron? There are limits.
Lab experts and doctors — along with the FDA — say omicron appears better than its predecessors at ducking detection.