The U.S. Defense Department is sending teams to health systems in metro Detroit and Grand Rapids to help overwhelmed staff deal with a surge of COVID, other patients. Michigan now leads the nation in hospitalization and COVID case rates.
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
As COVID rises, CDC approves boosters for all adults, Michigan urges masks
Federal health authorities Friday approved boosters to be made available for millions more U.S. adults. While in Lansing, the state health department pleaded for residents to wear masks but stopped short of a mandate.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
COVID testing is critical in Michigan. But how soon is too soon?
Testing too early after you’ve been exposed to COVID, or “panic testing,” will likely offer little more than a false sense of security. With holidays beckoning, this “gray zone” in testing could unwittingly spread infection.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
5 million Michiganders are vaccinated and COVID is surging. Here’s why
There are as many COVID cases today as a year ago despite the availability of vaccines. The reasons are both complicated and simple.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
University of Michigan flu outbreak prompts worries of statewide jump
Flu season ignites in southeast Michigan with more than 500 cases — enough to bring CDC staff on-site to monitor and assist, and resurrecting fears among health officials of a COVID and flu “twindemic” this winter.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Hospitals filling up as Michigan records highest COVID case rate in U.S.
Doctors warn of dangerous days ahead as the state’s hospitals care for more than 3,200 patients with COVID for the first time since early May. That’s a 40-percent jump in two weeks.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Could COVID pills help turn the pandemic tide in Michigan?
The FDA considers the first of two drugs this month. If they live up to their hype, the drugs by Merck and Pfizer could save lives. But some worry that they could be another reason to skip a vaccine.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
'Are you vaccinated?' and other new Thanksgiving traditions in Michigan
Can the virus spread when we share green bean casserole? Is there a COVID test etiquette? What about masks? Infectious-disease experts — and two veterans in calming explosive conversations — weigh in.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
COVID shots for young kids adds confusion to Michigan school mask mandates
Some local health departments plan to rescind mask orders over the holidays, while others have mandates that will stick around until COVID transmission levels drop.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Facing COVID vaccine mandates, these Michigan residents just said no
A looming federal mandate means 2 million Michigan residents must prove they’ve been vaccinated, submit to weekly tests or lose their jobs. A weatherman, dentist, nurse and pastor explain why they refused.