Michigan coronavirus worst in nation, data shows

Michigan’s coronavirus spread is now the worst in the country as of Friday, as the state’s daily number of cases and infection rate continue to rise, recent data shows.

In recent weeks, Michigan has seen COVID-19 spread faster, causing a further increase in virus cases and hospitalizations. As of mid-March, Michigan had the highest COVID infection rate in the United States, according to data from Covid Act Now – now the state leads the country in terms of daily new cases of coronavirus, viral infection and positive viral test rates.

As of Friday April 2, the state of Michigan has been labeled at a “very high” risk level for a COVID-19 outbreak by Covid Act Now – a group of technologists, epidemiologists, health experts and public policy makers who monitor and identify each state’s level of risk for a COVID-19 outbreak. Our last report of March 18 showed the condition at a “high” risk level.

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Most states across the country are classified as high or “medium” risk for a COVID-19 outbreak, as of Friday. Michigan is one of 11 states with a more significant increase in the spread of the coronavirus, including New York, Minnesota, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Let’s dive into specific Michigan data.

The number of new COVID cases reported every day in Michigan is currently the highest in the country, according to Covid Act Now.

Over the past week, the state reported an average of 56.7 new cases of the virus per day per 100,000 population, according to data. In our last report on March 18, the state was reporting an average of 23.7 new cases per day per 100,000 population.

The research group identifies the condition’s rate of new daily infections as “critical.”

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The data from Covid Act Now largely matches the data reported by the state of Michigan: According to data received by the state, Michigan has reported an average of 5,061 new cases of COVID-19 per day over the past week – the highest average observed in the state since December. This average has steadily increased since it hit a low point in mid-February.

On Thursday, the state reported a total of 6,036 new cases of the virus since the previous day – just the second time there have been 6,000 or more new daily cases this year.

Michigan’s daily rate of new COVID cases is the highest in the United States, with New Jersey, New York and Connecticut not far behind, reporting an average of 49.7, 41.6 and 35.5 new cases per day per 100.00 residents, respectively.

With the highest number of new daily COVID-19 cases in the country, it’s no surprise that Michigan’s coronavirus infection rate is also the highest in the United States.

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According to Covid Act Now, as of April 2, Michigan has an infection rate of 1.29 – meaning that every person infected with COVID-19 infects an average of 1.29 other people. The state’s infection rate is currently rated “high” by Covid Act Now, but is approaching the “critical” level.

Infection rates above 1.4 are considered critical, between 0.9 and 1.1 are considered “medium” and below 0.9 are considered “low”.

“On average, every Michigan person with COVID infects 1.29 other people. As such, the total number of active cases in Michigan is increasing at an unsustainable rate, ”the report read. “If this trend continues, the hospital system can become overloaded. Caution is in order. “

The other states with the highest infection rates are North Dakota, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania, which each have rates of 1.18, 1.16, and 1.15, respectively.

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Of course, an increased number of cases and infections correlates with higher positive COVID test rates – and, again, Michigan is the highest in the country.

As of April 2, Covid Act Now reports that Michigan’s positive test rate is 11.9%, indicating that “testing in Michigan is limited and most cases may go undetected,” the report. According to data received by the state, Michigan’s positive test rate may actually be a little higher: Over the past week, the state’s positive test rate has averaged 13.56%. , according to the data.

Regardless, the percentage of positive COVID tests in Michigan is much higher than expected. State health officials have already pushed for a positive test rate of 3% or less, and Covid Act Now confirms this, calling the 3% lower test rates “low.”

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Michigan’s positive test rate is considered “high” on Friday. A positive test rate above 20% is considered “critical,” and the state has not seen those numbers since the pandemic began a year ago.

The other states with the highest positive COVID test rates are: South Dakota with 10.3%, New Jersey with 9.8%, Pennsylvania with 8.3%, and Florida with 7.6%.

Coronavirus-related hospitalizations have increased in Michigan amid the surge in the spread of the virus, but hospitals are unlikely to be overwhelmed with COVID patients at this time, according to Covid Act Now.

Data from the research group shows that about 77% of available intensive care beds in Michigan are currently in use, suggesting that there is “some capacity to absorb an increase in COVID cases,” the report reads. The report.

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There has, however, been a noticeable change in hospitalizations due to the virus in the state: in recent weeks, hospitalizations have been conducted by younger populations.

According to the Michigan Health and Hospital Association, hospitalizations have increased by 633 percent for adults aged 30 to 39 and by 800 percent for adults aged 40 to 49 between March 1 and March 23.

Read more: MHA: Younger age groups lead to increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations in Michigan

The change in age groups hospitalized in Michigan is likely related to the distribution of coronavirus vaccines, as older and more vulnerable populations were initially prioritized. Still, health experts are concerned about the growing number of middle-aged Michigan adults hospitalized with severe COVID-19.

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Related: COVID hospitalizations in Michigan: Concerns grow as more and more younger adults are in intensive care

Along with the increase in the spread of the virus, there has been an increase in COVID-19 vaccinations in Michigan – which state officials say is the response to the increase in cases of the virus in Michigan. the state.

On Friday, April 2, the state of Michigan administered more than 4.4 million doses of the coronavirus vaccine, with about 34.5% of residents having received at least one dose.

Vaccine eligibility criteria have steadily expanded across the state and within individual regions. Starting next week, all Michiganders over the age of 16 will be able to make an appointment for the COVID vaccination.

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As more residents become eligible to be vaccinated against the virus, state officials are counting on the protection offered by the vaccine to help slow the spread of the coronavirus in Michigan.

Earlier this week Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer said the state relies on continued wearing of masks and more vaccinations to tackle the rise in COVID cases, instead of instituting more restrictions.

After seeing a steady decline in cases for nearly two months in December and January, Michigan officials returned to several segments of the economy in February, such as restaurants, entertainment venues and youth sports.

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Since then, the state’s COVID-19 parameters have swung in the opposite direction, with case, hospitalization and death rates rising. Each of the past seven days has seen more than 4,000 new cases in Michigan, and three day-totals of more than 5,000 have been reported during that period.

The last time Michigan saw a COVID-19 spike of this magnitude – in October and November – the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services issued a hiatus that closed indoor dining, gatherings and much more for over two months. This time around, Whitmer instead said the focus would remain on wearing masks and vaccinations, setting a goal of vaccinating 100,000 Michigan residents every day.

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Related: Fully vaccinated vaccine can travel again, according to new CDC guidelines

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You can see Covid Act Now data for each state by clicking here.

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After: Coronavirus in Michigan: here’s what you need to know April 2, 2021