Governor Whitmer responds to rising COVID-19 cases
LANSING, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun provided an update on COVID-19 cases, vaccines and variants and discussed the state’s efforts to expand the use of monoclonal antibody therapy to help those diagnosed with COVID-19 avoid hospitalization. During a press conference on Wednesday, April 14, the governor praised progress on vaccinations and urged Michiganders to keep doing their part by wearing masks, washing their hands, social distancing, and getting vaccinated.
The governor stressed there are still public health laws in place to mitigate the spread of COVID including a mask mandate, capacity limits on indoor gatherings, and mandatory testing for sports. The governor also shared information about the use of Regeneron and Eli Lilly monoclonal antibody treatments. These treatments have been authorized for emergency use by the FDA and can be effective in preventing hospitalizations and deaths for those diagnosed with COVID-19. The state is ensuring providers across the state have the supplies they need to effectively treat Michiganders.
Gov. Whitmer said Michigan has administered over 5.4 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccines to more than 3.4 million Michiganders. She said almost 42 percent of Michiganders 16 and up have received their first dose and 27. 5 percent of Michiganders have been fully vaccinated, including 61 percent of seniors.
To view the PowerPoint presentation that the governor used during today’s press conference, click the link below:
