The number of COVID hospitalizations across Michigan fell four days straight, teasing hope even as dozens of hospitals remain at or near capacity. It’s “not sustainable,” according to a state hospital association, asking Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to continue pandemic orders.
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
Six things to know about the safety of the leading COVID vaccines
Dr. Arnold Monto of the University of Michigan chairs a national panel that will recommend whether to approve two vaccines for COVID-19 in the United States. He outlined what is known, and what isn’t, about the vaccines’ safety and reliability.
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Michigan Republicans grill state health chief on COVID shutdown orders
Robert Gordon, head of state public health, faced criticism from GOP legislators Thursday, who contend the Whitmer administration does not give enough weight to the mental health damage inflicted by school and economic shutdown orders.
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Michigan health workers, senior facilities likely first for COVID vaccine
A federal panel Tuesday evening issued guidance that prioritizes Michigan’s front-line workers and its elderly in long-term care facilities. Vaccines for other vulnerable groups to follow, before the general public.
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COVID vaccine for Michigan health workers may arrive by next week
Michigan’s health care workers would be the first in line to receive a vaccine, which was developed within a year — an unprecedented effort against a deadly virus. A vaccine for the general population could arrive as early as spring, Michigan’s chief medical executive tells Bridge.
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He had dementia and COVID. She wanted to hold him when he died.
After months of being separated from her husband during the COVID lockdown, Melanie Zeiger was thrilled to move Jerry into adult foster care, where she could hold his hand. Then COVID returned to the state’s long-term care centers, isolating them once more.
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With COVID everywhere, Michigan contact tracers losing control of spread
The public health system is so overwhelmed, health departments are advising residents not to expect a call from contact tracers if they’ve been exposed to the coronavirus. Meanwhile, federal money may soon run out.
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Michigan officials say no to big Thanksgiving gatherings. Who will listen?
A worst-case scenario calls for 1,000 weekly Michigan deaths from coronavirus by year’s end if we don’t change our ways. But getting compliance from those opposed to government pandemic orders is proving a hard sell.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan hospital workers weary as public support fades, COVID cases rise
The sadness and stress of handling so many COVID patients is getting to the state’s frontline health care workers, many of whom already struggled to cope in a job with long hours, little gratitude and daily tragedy.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan has 6th highest number of COVID-19 cases in nation, 5th highest deaths
Michigan now ranks sixth nationally in coronavirus cases and fifth for the number of COVID-19 related deaths, state health officials say.