Cases rise fastest for ages 10-19

State: Outbreaks in schools higher than long-term care facilities last week

For the first time in a year the number of COVID-19 outbreaks in Michigan schools, grades K-12, last week were higher than in long-term care facilities.

“This is a testament to how well we have done with vaccinating our staff and our residents in long-term care facilities. It also

speaks to the risk we see with some of the activities children in this age group are engaging in,’’ said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive of the Michigan Department for Health and Human Services.

In the past four weeks, the spread of COVID-19 has risen 105% among persons aged 10-19, according to the MDHHS. As of March 11, local health departments had reported 162 new and ongoing outbreaks among K-12

schools, with 54 of those outbreaks reported in the week prior.

The good news is that the number of deaths is declining.

“On Wednesday we had zero new reported deaths for the first time in months which is excellent news,’’ Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in a Friday press briefing.

She said there is light at the end of the tunnel, but the state is still in the tunnel.

“The big unknown factor here is can 10 million Michiganders continue to take this seriously until we get to that 70 percent number (of people vaccinated), that’s

what’s so crucial,’’ Whitmer said. “Whether it’s St. Patrick’s Day or gatherings around the (NCAA) tournament or spring break, (large gatherings are) concerning for us all.’’

Vaccinations continue to increase with 3.3 million doses administered so far in the state.

More than 26% of people ages 16 and up have had at least the first dose with more than 61% of those over age 65 with the first dose. Almost 15% of Michiganders age 16 and up are fully vaccinated.

At this point, no pauses or rollbacks of what is currently allowed in the state

are planned.

A new order from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services requires more testing for high school athletes starting on April 2 and limits on gatherings at outdoor stadiums.

“What we are seeing now is very concerning data that shows we are going in the wrong direction with the key metrics,’’ Khaldun said.

The case rates are now at 173 cases per million which is a 77% increase since midFebruary. Cases are increasing in all age groups, but the biggest increase is in ages 10-19.

The percent positivity is

6.2% which is up 177% since mid-February.

Also in the past two weeks there’s an increase in hospitalizations with 4.9% of hospital beds in the state used for COVID patients.

“We are so close, soon all adults in Michigan will be eligible for the vaccine. We know what to do to stop this virus,’’ Khaldun said. “Please wear a mask, wash your hands and continue to avoid large gatherings with people outside of your household. Please continue to get tested if you’ve been exposed, if you have symptoms or if you’ve traveled outside of the state in the last two weeks.’’