(WWJ) -- Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is touting COVID-19 vaccinations as Michigan’s “way out” of the pandemic, after the state hit the first benchmark in her “MI Vacc To Normal” plan earlier this week.
"Every day we're getting closer to putting this pandemic behind us. The way to get there is to vaccinate as many Michiganders who are eligible as quickly as possible," Whitmer said at a press conference Wednesday morning.
Whitmer appeared in a good mood as the COVID-19 situation appears to be improving in the state.
“Vaccinations are up. Cases and hospitalizations are down. The days are getting longer and warmer,” Whitmer said.
“And, ‘Seinfeld’ will be on Netflix this summer. That is true, but it’s just a bit of levity,” the governor joked.
With 55% of Michiganders over 16 years old, Whitmer says the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration is expected to allow all workers to return to in-person work at offices and workplaces on May 24.
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Whitmer says the state reached that first benchmark some time between Sunday and Monday.
The next benchmark in the “Vacc To Normal” plan is at 60%. Two weeks after Michigan hits that point, the state will lift the 11 p.m. curfew on bars and restaurants, as well as ease capacity restrictions at gyms and exercise facilities, sports stadiums, banquet halls, conference centers and funeral homes.
Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, the state’s Chief Medical Executive, says the latest data from the state shows 253 cases per 1 million people, a number that has continued to decrease for the last four weeks.
Khaldun says that number is down almost ⅓ from where it was a week ago. Additionally, the state’s case positivity rate is down significantly since the mid-April surge in cases.
Officials say 40% of all Michigan adults and 70% of seniors are fully vaccinated.
Whitmer also handed out kudos to an Up-North county during her press conference.
“I want to shoutout to Leelenau County for being the first county in Michigan to reach 70%,” Whitmer said.
The governor also noted Oakland, Washtenaw, Emmet and Grand Traverse for surpassing 60% of all adults vaccinated.