LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Tuesday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer and other officials provided an update on statewide efforts towards COVID-19 vaccination.
Among other topics, chief medical executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun spoke on the new B.1.1.7 variant of the virus, which has recently appeared in Michigan.
“While our numbers continue to trend overall in the right direction, I’m very concerned about what we are seeing with the new B.1.1.7 variant,” Dr. Khaldun said. “We now know of 45 cases of the variant identified in Michigan across ten counties, and there will be more.”
This variant is said to be more contagious than the established COVID-19 strain, meaning it can spread more easily. Dr. Khaldun said that this variant originated in the United Kingdom.
“While this variant first appeared in the U.K., the cases we are seeing in Michigan have not all been associated with someone who had a history of traveling, which means the variant is likely in the general community,” Dr. Khaldun said.
As a result of this development, there are now new concerns of hospitalizations and community spread.
“I know this may sound overwhelming, but the good news is we know how to slow the spread, and it’s the same thing Michiganders have been doing so well for the past year to slow the spread of the virus and bring our curve down last spring and in the fall,” Dr. Khaldun said.
Although the U.K. variant is more contagious, it has not been found to be deadlier than its better-known type. Dr. Khaldun said that following established health guidelines will be crucial in keeping schools open, as the state has set a goal of reopening on March 1.
She added that getting vaccinated as soon as possible will also be crucial to curbing the spread. Studies show that the currently available vaccine types are also effective against B.1.1.7.
“Viruses change and mutate when they have the opportunity to spread, so getting vaccinated will not only slow the spread of the usual COVID-19 virus, but it will also prevent the virus from getting the opportunity to mutate as it spreads from person to person,” Dr. Khaldun said. “So it’s important that as many people as possible get vaccinated as we work to end this pandemic.”
As far as current efforts go, both Governor Whitmer and Dr. Khaldun said progress is being made toward their goal of 50,000 vaccine shots administered per day. Dr. Khaldun said that over 1.2 million doses have been administered so far.
In addition to the vaccines available from Pfizer and Moderna, Dr. Khaldun noted that officials are hopeful that another one, made by Johnson and Johnson, will be approved for use by the end of the month.
However, until such a time comes when more doses are available, residents must continue to take precautions to slow the spread.
“Wear a mask, socially distance, and wash your hands,” Dr. Khaldun said. “I’m proud of every Michigander who has done their part. It will take all of us to end this pandemic as quickly as possible.”
Readers can view the press conference in its entirety by clicking here.
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