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Whitmer: Michigan Has Administered 1,292,572 Vaccines, Moving The State Closer To Its Goal Vaccinating At Least 70% Of Michiganders

LANSING, Mich. (CBS DETROIT) — Governor Gretchen Whitmer held a press conference Tuesday afternoon providing updates on the State's response to COVID-19.

Here's the governor's updates:

  • On Tuesday, Whitmer and Major General Paul Rogers visited the Michigan State University Pavilion to observe its ongoing vaccination efforts for area residents. Joining them for the site visit were Lt. Col. Karen Sims, the Medical Detachment Officer in Charge, along with state Representative Julie Brixie.

  • As of Tuesday, Whitmer says the state has administered 1,292,572 vaccines, moving the state closer to its goal of equitably vaccinating at least 70% of Michiganders ages 16 and older as soon as possible
  • Michigan is working to administer 50,000 shots per day through the Governor's MI COVID Recovery Plan, partnering with private and academic organizations like at MSU Pavilion to create more opportunities for Michigan residents to receive a vaccine.
  • As part of her commitment to keep Michigan safely moving forward, Whitmer's administration set a goal that all school districts will be prepared to offer an option for in-person learning no later than March 1.

Here are updates from Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services chief medical executive and chief deputy director for health.

  • Case rates have steadily declined to 144 case per million, which is down 81 percent from the mid-November peak.
  • 4.5 percent of tests in the state are positive but continues to decline.
  • 6 percent of hospital beds are being used to treat COVID-19 patients which is down 72 percent since the fall peak of Dec. 1.

Michigan's numbers continue to trend overall in the right direction, but Khaldun says she's concerned about the new coronavirus variant, adding that the state is now aware of 45 cases of the variant have been identified across 10 counties.

Khaldun says Michiganders can continue to slow the spread of the coronavirus by social distancing and wearing a mask. She also added data has shown that schools can establish a low-risk of virus transmission by making sure they wear a mask and adopt careful infection prevention protocols.

"That's why continue to encourage all school districts to develop and implement their own plans to adopt an in person learning option by March 1," she said.

 

Governor Whitmer COVID-19 Update 2/09/2021 by Governor Gretchen Whitmer on YouTube

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