(WWJ) While Michigan's overall COVID-19 numbers are continuing to trend in the right direction, there's increased worry about a more contagious mutation of the virus.
At a news conference Tuesday, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun said she is "very concerned" about what we're seeing in the state with the new B117 variant.
"We now know of 45 cases of the variant identified in Michigan across ten counties, and there will be more," the doctor said. "While this variant first appeared in the U.K., the cases that we're seeing have not all been associated with someone who had a history of traveling...Which means the variant is likely in the general community."
"This variant is more easily spread from person to person," Khaldun added. "Meaning if we are not vigilant, we could see a rise in cases, hospitalizations and deaths, similar to what they saw in the U.K."
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While this may sound overwhelming, she said, the good news is we already know how to slow the spread: By properly and consistently wearing masks, washing hands and social distancing — just as "Michiganders have been doing so well" to bring the virus curve down last spring and in the fall.
But, if this variant brings Michigan's numbers back up again, can we expect another round of business shutdowns?
Asked about that, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said. "No one wants to go back, take steps backward" — and that's why measures like continued mask wearing, limits on gatherings, and the "race to get those vaccines into arms" are all so important.
As for the South African variant, a which is a growing concern in other states and countries, Khaldun said no cases of that strain have yet been found in Michigan... while testing continues.
Khaldun said Michigan is "in a good place" at this point with contact tracing and testing. Going forward, she stressed that anyone who has symptoms or may have been exposed should get tested. Also: "Please do get your vaccine when one becomes available to you."
In good news about the numbers, Khaldun pointed out the following stats:
- Case rates in Michigan have steadily declined to 144 cases per million, down 81% from the mid-November peek
- 4.5% of tests in the state are coming back positive, down from a high of over 13% in December, and that rate continues to decline
- Only 6% of hospital beds in Michigan are being for COVID-19 patients, down 72% since the fall peak
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There were 563 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Michigan on Tuesday, and 29 new deaths, according to MDHHS. Another 31 deaths were added to the toal during a review of vital records.
Michigan's statewide number of cases has reached just under 570,000. And while early 15,000 people in Michigan have died, according to the health department, nearly 498,500 have recovered.