Slow Increase in COVID-19 Cases Across Michigan
Disease Continues to Imitate a Typical Trend rather than a Pandemic
In Michigan, a slow increment has been detected in the number of COVID-19 cases over the summer. Data released by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development reveals that since Saturday, 1,467 cases have been reported statewide, along with 31 in Upper Michigan (U.P.). However, state health officials insist that this is not a cause for alarm.
Michigan’s Chief Medical Executive, Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, emphasized the role of preventive habits such as hand hygiene and vaccination in maintaining health. She highlighted that, “We’ve got vaccines that are incredibly effective at keeping people out of the hospital and keeping people alive,” adding that rapid testing at home is another effective tool that has significantly improved protection against the virus.
Trend Shows A Small Uptick
According to Aspirus Health, a noticeable escalation in COVID-19 cases has been noticed this summer, with numbers rising from 2% in early May to more than 10% as of early July.
Assistant Director for Hospital Medicine Steven Philipson attributes part of this increase to typical summer activities and travel, which may facilitate virus transmission. “During winter, people mostly stay indoors but in the summer, large group interactions might encourage the spread of the virus,” he explained.
Case Increase Not a Cause for Concern
Despite a slight rise in positive cases, Philipson noted that there has been no concurrent increase in hospitalization rates, suggesting that COVID-19 is transitioning to a disease resembling influenza. “While it can still be deadly for some people, it’s not as deadly as the pandemic was when it first emerged in 2020,” said Philipson, indicating a significant improvement in how the disease presents and is handled.
Finally, the state maintains that the gentle rise in cases is not something to worry about, but it is good to always be aware. As citizens, we must continue with preventive habits and abide by the health guidelines set by the authorities. This will ensure our safety and the safety of others.
