Lab experts and doctors — along with the FDA — say omicron appears better than its predecessors at ducking detection.
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
‘It’s not letting up’: Omicron fuels surge of Michigan hospitalizations
Things were looking up, but the fast-spreading variant is filling hospitals again, especially in hard-hit southeast Michigan. The good news is omicron is mild for most.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
COVID by the numbers in 2021: More deadly than first year in Michigan
The year began with new vaccines and hopes for an end. It is ending with grim new threats and big questions about the future.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Feds authorize ‘game-changer’ anti-COVID pill as omicron hits Michigan
The first-ever COVID treatment in a pill drops risk of hospitalization and death for those infected by 89 percent, according to drugmaker Pfizer. But only some people will qualify to get it.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Ohio gave away millions of at-home COVID tests. Michigan, not so much.
The Buckeye state used federal funds to freely distribute 4.8 million at-home COVID tests at libraries, schools, rec centers and union halls. Michigan is nowhere close to those numbers as the holidays loom.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan nursing home staff shortage raises peril, adds to hospital woes
On top of continued isolation at many of Michigan’s nursing homes amid COVID, nearly 9,000 fewer workers now care for nursing home residents — raising concern about the well-being of those who live there.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan companies await final legal verdict on Biden vaccine mandate
If upheld in court, about two million Michigan workers will be affected by a Biden administration edict that requires large workplaces to ensure workers are vaccinated against COVID-19. The U.S. Supreme Court may soon jump in to decide the matter.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan has an obesity problem. That could make COVID even worse
With Michigan’s obesity rate climbing, a Stanford University study details how infected fat cells add risk to the coronavirus
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
As COVID-19 surges in Michigan, no new restrictions planned by state
Michigan’s hospitals are treating the most COVID-19 patients ever and case counts are rising. State officials say getting vaccines and boosters are critical, but they are not considering any sweeping new restrictions or mandates.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Omicron variant arrives in Michigan. What you need to know
Michigan is at least the 24th state to report a COVID-19 case stemming from an omicron variant. It was detected in a fully vaccinated resident of Kent County.