LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Health experts in Michigan are calling Saturday’s jump in COVID-19 cases a wake-up call, as over 8,400 new cases were reported in the state. A leading epidemiologist says the fourth surge of COVID-19 “is just beginning” in the U.S..
Dr. Michael Osterholm, an epidemiologist, spoke on On NBC’s Meet The Press and said he believes the Midwest is starting to see the effects of the next surge and noted Michigan’s recent spike in reported cases. Osterholm expressed concerns about variants spreading worldwide, especially the UK variant that is quickly spreading in the U.S. and is prominent in Michigan.
During the first three weeks of March, hospitalizations in Michigan rose 633% for unvaccinated people between 30 and 39 years old and 800% for those 40 to 49 years old, according to the Michigan Health and Hospital Association.
The state now has a pandemic total of 692,206 cases. Saturday’s daily case count was the highest since December 7 of last year.
57 deaths were reported Saturday, but all but six were the result of vital records reviews. Deaths from COVID-19 have not spiked, despite the recent jump in confirmed cases of the virus.
