Michigan Health Director will resign, contact sports, COVID variant

Lansing, Mitch. – Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer provided an update on COVID-19 in the state, including more about the future of contact sports, the spread of the new COVID type, and the resignation of Michigan’s health director.

Here are our seven gifts from the Monday afternoon briefing.

Whitemayer has reported progress in the distribution of the state’s COVID-19 vaccine, the current number of which was compared to two weeks ago.

Michigan administered only 44% of the state-controlled vaccines two weeks ago, although the rest were prepared to take the drug.

Whitemaire said 67% of the state’s vaccine supply has now gone into arms.

“This is good news, and I’m proud of the progress we’ve all made,” Whitmer said.

While the state is reporting progress in its vaccine distribution efforts, thousands of eligible residents are still trying to make appointments.

State officials said they are still working to get enough vaccines for everyone in stages 1A and 1B to get the first dose.

“I know people are anxious and ready to get vaccinated, and honestly, that’s a good thing,” Whitmer said. “The fact of the matter is, we don’t have the kind of supply we need yet.”

He said Michigan officials plan to vaccinate 50,000 people every day.

Whitmer said, “Once we have the vaccines that are needed, then every eligible Michigan who wants a vaccine will get one.

The governor spoke of vaccinations, food aid and job losses while his administration took steps to help Michigans recover from the epidemic.

He said about 900,000 children in the state have received food aid through a partnership between MDHHS and the Michigan Department of Education.

But Whitemare still highlighted some of the issues plaguing the state. He said that college college students are losing their jobs due to the epidemic and some need to choose between college college and food.

Whitmer said, “There is light at the end of this tunnel, however, we are still in the tunnel.

He asked the Michigan Legislature to pass its COVID recovery plan, which includes vaccine distribution, support for small businesses, and an increase in forward direction for schools.

MDHHS Chief Medical Officer Dr. J. Johnigh Khaldu has provided updated COVID-19 matrix for the state.

Michigan has a case rate of 203 cases per million people, he said. It is down 72% from the November peak.

The percentage of state exams is coming in positive. According to Khaldun, it currently sits at .2.5%.

He said the percentage of inpatient beds currently occupied by COVID-19 patients is .2.5%.

The new COVID-19 variant B.1.1.7 is constantly circulating in Michigan, Khaldun said.

As of Monday, the state has identified at least 13 confirmed cases in Wash County and four in Wayne County.

“There are still a lot of cases that we haven’t identified yet, and possibly the kind of outbreak that is currently happening,” Khaldun said.

She said the variable spreads more easily from one person to another, but it does not appear to be the cause of a more serious disease. Current tests can identify the variable, and the vaccine appears to be working against it, he said.

But because it is more contagious, officials are concerned about variants that bring a dramatic spike in Michigan’s case and positivity rates.

Khaldun said, “We are not going to go backwards to slow down the big progress we have already made.

MDHHS Director Robert Gorden abruptly resigned on Friday, And Whiter quickly Appointed Elizabeth Hertel to fill the role.

Hertel joined Whitmer for Monday’s briefing, and made his first remarks after taking over as Michigan’s director of health.

“It’s an honor to be here for the first time as director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services,” Hertel said.

He thanked Gordon “for his service and support of our mission and for his service to our state and its residents.”

Hertel spoke about the steps being taken to ensure Michigan families have access to food during the epidemic.

“I am proud to lead this department, where I can see evidence of the differences that occur every day, whether it is to ensure Michigans benefit or have access to food in difficult times, or to protect Michigans’ public health in times of crisis.” “I look forward to continuing this great work with my colleagues at MDHHS.”

When Whitmer announced Hertel’s appointment as the new Michigan health director on Friday, Gordon’s only mention was a single line at the very end of the publication:

“Robert Gordon has resigned from his post, and the governor has accepted his resignation.”

Whitter was asked about Gordon’s resignation during the question and answer session of Monday’s briefing.

“I want to thank Robert Gordon, and director Hertel did, too,” Whitmer said. “To lead this department in incredible circumstances, it has been difficult, and on behalf of all the people of Michigan, I am grateful for their service in their state. He worked hard to protect our people. ”

Whitmer left her there, and said she’s glad there’s “another incredibly worthy person” to run the department.

He was specifically asked about his relationship with Gordon.

Whitmer said, “I don’t think I would add anything in light of my comments about the former director.” I shared with you that I wish him well. Is, so we will continue to build here. “

After two questions, Whiter once again pressed whether he had sought Gordon’s resignation and if the news was to be expected.

“I think I’ve answered that question,” Whitmer said. “I think the only thing that can be said is that it has been difficult for years, and the administration is changing. I wish Robert Gordon all the best. I really do, and I am incredibly grateful for the hard work and every day he has shown over the last few years. It has been a long, impossible-to-imagine experience, and I am grateful to him that we have had his leadership for two years and I wish him all the best as we move forward. ”

The ban on certain winter contact sports has become a controversial topic in Michigan, especially since high school football finals were allowed to continue over the weekend.

Nikolai Witty, Superintendent of Detroit Schools, Sent a letter to Whitmer on Monday Saying that forcing him to return to personal education by March 1 is inconsistent but has refused to resume contact sports.

“The continued suspension of ‘contact’ sports in the winter contradicts the message that it is safe to return to personal study,” Witty wrote. “Anyone needs to ask any winter ‘contact’ sports athlete and they’ll tell you we’re sending them mixed and contradictory messages.”

Whitmer said officials are looking closely at the numbers regarding contact games.

“I think it’s important to show this kind of (seriousness) and severity and this kind of highly contagious aspect,” Whitmer said. Let me draw your attention. “

The governor was referring to an outbreak at the University of Michigan that forced the athletics department to close completely for two weeks.

Whitmer said, “Our job is to try to reduce the spread of this new virus, this is a new way in Michigan.