LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun provided an update Wednesday morning regarding COVID-19 and the continued efforts to slow the spread of the virus.
In the press conference, Whitmer provided an update on vaccination efforts as well as her “Vacc To Normal” plan to ease restrictions based on the number of vaccinated residents in the state. To date, 7.5 million doses have been administered in Michigan, and the state recently surpassed 55% of the population getting their first shot. This helped reach phase one of the plan, meaning people who have been working remotely can return to in-person employment on Monday, May 24.
Two weeks ago, Whitmer introduced the plan which she says provides a path out of the pandemic. It includes four phases, with phase two coming when 60% of the population 16 and older gets their first shot. Restrictions eased at that point would include dining limitations at restaurants and bars, increased capacities at gyms, and increase indoor capacity limits at funeral homes, sporting events, and other venues.
She urged Michigan residents who are vaccinated to help others follow through on getting their shots, saying they are the best voice to convince people who may have concerns.
Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun said there has been a big decrease in new cases over the last four weeks, but that the virus is still very present in Michigan. She said hospitalizations have also been on the decline over the same period of time. Khaldun also praised the news that the Pfizer vaccine will soon be available for children 12 to 15-years-old, saying it will help more students avoid miss classes due to illness from the virus.
You can watch the press conference in its entirety below:
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