Virus numbers rise as vaccine distribution begins

Residents urged to keep wearing masks, observe social distancing

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said Tuesday that “hope is on the horizon” with the distribution beginning of a coronavirus vaccine to frontline health workers, and state health officers warned it could be several months before a vaccine can be widely distributed and urged state residents to continue wearing masks and social distancing in the meantime.

“The delivery of the first COVID-19 vaccines in Michigan means there will be an end to this pandemic,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health for Michigan.

“However, it will take several months before we are able to have enough vaccine to widely distribute it to all Michiganders,” Khaldun said. “Until then, and even for individuals who receive the vaccine, we should all be doing our part to slow the spread of this virus by wearing masks correctly, avoiding large gatherings, and washing hands.”

Cases and deaths from the virus appear to be moderating, though still rising daily.

There were 4,730 new confirmed cases of the virus reported Tuesday, and 183 deaths statewide. The number of deaths included 71 added from a review of state vital statistics records, pushing the totals for the day into double digits in many counties.

In all, 442,715 cases of the virus have been reported since counting began in March and 10,935 deaths.

In southeast Michigan, Oakland County reported 632 cases and 12 deaths, Macomb County had 571 cases and 20 deaths, Wayne County had 651 cases and 14 deaths, and Detroit had 267 cases and nine deaths.

In other areas of the state, Genesee County reported 253 cases and 12 deaths, and Kent County had 232 cases and 13 deaths.

In rural mid Michigan, there were 13 cases and no deaths in Clare County, 20 cases and two deaths in Gratiot County, and 25 cases and one death in Isabella County.

Distribution of a vaccine to health workers began Monday.

To encourage mask usage while the distribution of the vaccine is underway, the state is making masks available at various partner sites around the state, including most local health offices and Community Action Agencies.

Residents can find a distribution site at Michigan. gov/ MaskUpMichigan or call the COVID-19 hotline at 888-535- 6136.

A state health department order has prohibited indoor restaurant dining

and closed entertainment venues to keep hospitals from being overwhelmed with infected patients. It is scheduled to expire Dec. 20.

Whether that order will be extended beyond that date remains to be seen.