With guesswork built into coronavirus testing at Michigan colleges and universities, campus leaders hope to keep students and staff safe. Nobody, it seems, knows if their plans are likely to work.
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 to identify schools with COVID outbreaks. In a couple of weeks.
There are 14 coronavirus outbreaks reported at Michigan colleges and K-12 schools. The state’s top doc says Michigan’s data system doesn’t collect school names now, and will have to be updated. Until then, nothing.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Despite FDA delay, Michigan to keep using convalescent plasma for COVID-19
The FDA has delayed approving broader use of convalescent plasma until more randomized studies are completed. But Henry Ford and U-M doctors will continue to study the promising treatment on coronavirus patients.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan has 14 school-related coronavirus outbreaks. State won’t say where.
The state health department declined to say which K-12 schools or colleges had confirmed outbreaks, noting that it has not done so for many businesses. One education leader said parents will likely want to know.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
IQOS (heated tobacco) replaces vaping as the next cigarette alternative
A federal agency is allowing Philip Morris to market its product as producing fewer harmful chemicals than smoked tobacco, even as it delivers about as much nicotine.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan seniors mourn the closing of activity centers during coronavirus
With hundreds of senior centers largely closed during the pandemic, virtual bingo has its limits. Some seniors indicate they’d rather chance contracting the virus than face an uncertain future filled with loneliness.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Staff at Michigan nursing homes ravaged by COVID-19 set to strike
Saying they are underpaid and unprotected, union members of SEIU Healthcare Michigan say they’re ready to walk. State nursing home advocate says pay has increased; COVID made staffing and PPE a struggle.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan’s ‘tampon tax’ challenged in new lawsuit
The litigation is part of a national movement toward exempting menstrual products from states’ sales taxes.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Coronavirus surges among Michigan teens as school nears. Blame partying
With school openings approaching, infections are increasing among those 19 and younger in Michigan, which experts attribute to the hubris of youth and lack of social distancing.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan declares racism a health crisis. Without funding, it’s symbolic.
In Michigan and elsewhere, Black residents have lower life expectancies and face a host of health inequities. An order from Gov. Whitmer declares racism a health threat, but officials say funding and follow-through is key to make a difference.