Michigan now has the highest rate of new coronavirus infections in the nation and a surge that mirrors the deadly one from the fall. But so much is different this spring — from vaccination levels to warming temps.
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.
All is forgiven, Ohio*. Thanks for the COVID vaccine. Sincerely, Michigan.
Thousands throughout Michigan are doing the unthinkable and headed south to Ohio. (* forgiven for now)
Local transit systems in Michigan take lead on COVID vaccines for homebound
Systems in Lansing and in several counties have already quietly started on-demand service for seniors, the disabled and other vulnerable groups that might include picking up people at their homes, waiting at vaccine centers and then driving them home to make vaccine distribution more equitable.
Michigan tops U.S. in new COVID cases. Is it variants or just our turn?
Coronavirus cases in Michigan are increasing faster than in any other state, leaving many to wonder what’s driving the surge.
Michigan’s plan to get more Republicans to take COVID vaccine
Public health officials across the state are thinking about how to ease vaccine skepticism among many conservatives as COVID-19 surges once more through Michigan.
For these five Michigan residents, getting a COVID vaccine is ‘a hard no’
They are generally wary of the government or politicians, and questioned the process that yielded U.S. vaccines. Most are Trump supporters, with their own theories on the virus and why it was unlikely to harm them. Misinformation was not rare.
Michigan caregivers got a $2 hourly boost in COVID. Should it be permanent?
A long-sought-after bump in pay has helped keep some direct care workers on the job, performing crucial, life-saving services for seniors and those with disabilities in a pandemic. What happens if it goes away?
No doubt: Third surge of COVID has hit Michigan. Can we vaccinate fast enough?
Three weeks of steady increases in coronavirus cases have health officials worried and wondering whether the pace of vaccinations can prevent a wave of deaths and hospitalizations.
Michigan ranks second in COVID variant cases as state hits ‘tipping point’
Michigan trails only Florida in the number U.K. B.1.1.7 variant cases following the most recent outbreak tied to prep basketball games in Grand Ledge. Variants pose a greater concern as people travel more and spring break hits.
Gretchen Whitmer opening MI COVID vaccines brings excitement and wariness
Local health officials in some counties welcomed the news that anyone over 16 could soon get the vaccine, saying they can get to more people sooner. But there was also concern seniors and other groups could be pushed behind the more computer savvy.