Long-term care facilities had relaxed visitation as the summer opened and COVID cases fell. Some families say the rules are tightening again; a few said they never changed in the first place.
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 is burning through EMTs and paramedics, leaving shortages
Ambulance agencies across the state are short of medical first responders, which can mean longer response times in an emergency. They log long hours in stressful jobs that don’t pay terribly well. State lawmakers and health officials say they’re working on solutions.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Pfizer vaccine wins full approval. Will Michigan's hesitant take it now?
Monday’s FDA full approval of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is renewing hope that some portion of the vaccine reluctant will get their shot as COVID-19 cases rise. Many businesses are now expected to mandate vaccines.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
How a COVID vaccine rule for nursing home staff could backfire in Michigan
The Biden administration wants to withhold funds for homes that don’t require staff vaccines. But Michigan has one of the nation’s lowest staff vaccination rates, and some fear a mandate will lead more workers to quit, making staff shortages worse.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
In Michigan, the COVID increase isn’t just among the unvaccinated anymore
One hospital system says 15 to 20 percent of those hospitalized with COVID have already been vaccinated. The increase helped propel the call for booster shots.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
COVID boosters likely coming to Michigan in September. What to know.
With the delta variant surging, the White House announced plans to make boosters broadly available by Sept. 20. We answer your questions about who can get them and when.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan GOP eyes limits to vaccine, mask rules. Health officials dismayed
A bill would allow employees to sue if they’re fired for refusing vaccines, while Republican leaders want activists to fight school mask rules.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan schools must teach in-person, get waiver, or lose funding
Even as COVID cases increase, online-only learning won’t be an easy option for schools this year. The policy shift was agreed to by the GOP legislature and Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan’s top doc: COVID vaccines aren’t just about protecting you
Michigan doesn’t plan a vaccine mandate, said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, the state’s chief medical executive, as she joined the mother of a dead child and others to call on Michiganders to think of others when it comes to safety practices and vaccines.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Protesters gather at Michigan Capitol to protest COVID vaccine mandates
As pressure increases on businesses, schools and universities and governments to take stronger action, Friday’s crowd in Lansing said vaccine mandates go too far.