Michigan Public Health authorities reveal that there were new 4,2017 COVID-19 cases and 312 deaths due to the virus from the past two days.
As COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations reduced, Michigan public health officials announced that face masks would not be recommended to be worn in most indoor public places, including schools.
On the other hand, the state officials are recommending face masks for Michiganders, irrespective of vaccination status, in risky congregate settings, jails, healthcare facilities, long-term facilities, shelters, and for the people isolating & quarantined to restraint the spread of the virus.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said, “This is good news for Michigan; while Michigan hasn’t had statewide mask policies since last June, this updated guidance will underscore that we are getting back to normal. Let’s keep working together to build on our momentum so we can keep our kids learning in person.”
The latest two-day data revealed 1 042, 013 confirmed cases, and 31 271 deaths since the pandemic broke out. As per the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS), those new case and death totals show data collected Tuesday and Wednesday.
On Monday, the state reported 141 new COVID-19 cases, the maximum originating in the long-term facilities.
According to the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC), Michigan’s 7-day average rate decreased from 26,330 cases in January to 5,564 patients per day on Feb 14. The report reveals that Michigan’s 7-day average case rate is 249 cases per day 100,000 residents. In contrast, the positive rate is about 10-14%, with more than 197,000 COVID-19 diagnostics tests carried out over the past week.
To limit the spread of COVID-19 inflammation, the MDHHS partnered with libraries to offer free-of-cost at-home testing kits. As of now, libraries in Newaygo, Calhoun, Clare, and Saginaw have received the testing kits. However, the authority says that more libraries will be added to the list.
These at-home testing kits are witnessing a significant demand; the authority says that the kits are available on a first-come and first-served basis. One person can take only one kit and up to five kits per household.