Whitmer: No new pandemic restrictions Sun
With the worst COVID case numbers in the country, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said on Wednesday that she will not add new restrictions at this point.
The governor urged the use of treatments including monoclonal antibodies by Regeneron and Eli Lilly for certain patients who test positive for COVID-19.
“We are using every mitigation strategy, every medication and every treatment option to fight the virus here in Michigan,” Whitmer said. “These antibody treatments could keep you out of the hospital and save your life, and my administration and I will continue working with the federal government to make sure we are using all the tools in our toolbox to keep you and your family safe and get back to normal sooner.’’
On Friday, April 9, the National Institute of Health COVID Treatments Guidelines Panel said they “strongly recommend that Regeneron’s COVID-19 treatment should be used in COVID-19 positive patients who are at high risk of clinical progression.’’ The NIH’S guidance was backed by data from a study of 4,500 patients showing that Regeneron’s COVID treatment significantly reduced the risk of hospitalization and death.
Whitmer said that Regeneron and Eli Lilly offer a promising treatment. Current data suggests both are likely effective against the B.1.1.7 variant which is the most common variant in the country and is prevalent in Michigan.
“Notably Regeneron was administered to President Trump late last year when he had COVID-19 and faced harsh symptoms. The Regeneron treatment very likely helped save the former president’s life, it could save yours too,’’ Whitmer said.
Both treatments are administered via infusion intravenously and both are available even if a patient does not have insurance.
“So far more than 6,600 Michiganders have received these treatments. And 65% of patients feel better within two days. Less than 5% require hospitalization following the treatment,’’ Whitmer said.
Currently people with pre-existing or underlying health risks qualify to receive these therapeutic treatments this includes all seniors, anyone with high blood pressure, asthma, lung issues, heart issues, cancer or anyone who is immuno-compromised.
“Time is of the essence, the sooner you receive them after you test positive the more effective they will be,’’ Whitmer said.
“Monoclonal antibodies are an incredible treatment that we want to employ in Michigan,’’ Whitmer added. “It’s no substitute for a vaccine. The No. 1 tool we have is a vaccine, the No. 2 tool is masking. Both of those together are important.’’
She reiterated at a press conference that the state does not have a policy problem, it’s all about compliance.
“We’re having a lot of conversations about what makes sense to contribute to bringing down the spread. Here’s what we know — national experts with whom we consult have said you don’t have a policy program,’’ Whitmer said. “Michigan still has some of the strongest protocols in place - capacity restrictions, we’ve got a mask mandate. Other states have dropped all of these things - we still have them in Michigan and yet we still have high positivity.’’
CDC director Rochelle Walensky said on Monday the answer to Michigan’s acute situation with COVID is to shut things down.
Rather than restrictions, Whitmer is pushing vaccines and following the COVID protocols of masks, hand hygiene and social distancing.
Currently Michigan has 574 cases per million people and an 18% positivity rate - both numbers are five times what they were in mid-february.
“Data indicates we have broad community spread,’’ said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, the chief medical executive of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
She also noted Michigan has found 2,753 variant cases in 62 counties.
“Because of this sharp rise in cases overall there are likely many more (variant cases) which we don’t know about, which makes the risk of contracting COVID even greater,’’ Khaldun said.
Hospitalizations are still increasing with 18% of the beds used for COVID patients.
“At this juncture we know that the tools at our disposal that can most dramatically improve outcomes for people in this state are vaccines,’’ Whitmer said. “That’s why we’re moving so swiftly to get people vaccinated - over 5.4 million shots in arms. This is no small feat - a million in the last two weeks.’’
She noted that 41.9% of Michiganders age 16 and up have had at least one dose of the vaccine while 27.5% are fully vaccinated including 60% of seniors. The goal is to have 70% ages 16 and up vaccinated.
Last week Whitmer suggested three two-week voluntary measures: Avoid indoor dining; for high schools to go to remote learning; and for youth sports to shut down. Compliance has been spotty.
While these measures were not mentioned on Wednesday she did say she recommends eating outdoors at restaurants or grabbing takeouts over indoor dining.
Restaurants are still limited to 50% capacity.