State officials have extended Michigan's partial shutdown an additional 12 days -- to the satisfaction of some health care workers. SEE THE LATEST HERE
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Michigan hospital officials said the state's closure of some businesses and schools is working, calling for it to be extended through the holiday season to alleviate stress on the health care system.
“As a state, we must not let our guard down and reverse this progress," they said, reporting slight declines in virus-related emergency room visits, daily admissions and total hospitalizations.
The statement came hours before Gov. Whitmer announced the extension of restrictions, which were set to expire at midnight Tuesday, through Dec. 20.
Along with indoor service at restaurants and bars, the state health department has prohibited in-person instruction at high schools and organized sports. Entertainment venues like movie theaters, skating rinks and bowling alleys are closed; although gyms, salons and other personal care businesses remain open under the latest orders.
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When she spoke on the issue last Thursday, Whitmer predicted an extension of the pause was "sadly possible," because of the sheer volume of COVID-19 cases. Her decision on Monday reinforced that.
The governor said that while cases have been leveling off a bit in recent days, she's concerned about data that showed a significant number of Michigan residents traveled over Thanksgiving, despite the warnings from both state and federal health experts.
Among the most pressing concerns are what's going on in hospitals, which are short-staffed due to the pandemic and filling up with patients. As of Friday, officials said eight Michigan hospitals were at 100% capacity and 15 were at 90% capacity, most of them in rural areas.
As of Sunday, more than 4,100 people were hospitalized with symptoms, including about 500 on ventilators. The average daily death count was 122 — an increase from 71.3 on Nov. 22 — and fourth-highest in the country.
Another key number that remains a concern is the state's positivity rate. As of Sunday, Michigan was at 13.8%, up from under 3% over the summer.
Get the latest COVID-19 statistics from the state, and get information on how to get tested, AT THIS LINK.