MI Health Officials Warn COVID-19 Cases Expected To Climb In May

MICHIGAN — State health officials warned Thursday that COVID-19 cases were expected to rise through May, as the highly contagious BA.2 omicron subvariant spreads across the state. Cases were already rising in southeast Michigan, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said in a news release.

As Michiganders prepare for spring gatherings, such as proms and graduations, state health officials urged them to "make personal decisions on masking and other strategies to protect themselves from COVID-19."

Although state health officials expect cases to climb, they do not expect a significant increase in hospitalizations and deaths, mainly due to the number of Michiganders who have been vaccinated against the virus or the ones who gained immunity from the recent omicron spike.

Michigan added 10,474 new COVID-19 cases Wednesday, which was 2,749 more than last week, state health officials reported. The state saw an average of about 1,496 cases per day over the past five days, also an increase from 1,104 cases per day last week.

There were 461 adults and children hospitalized with the virus Wednesday, up 19 percent from March 31, when there were 389, state health officials said.

"While we wish we could avoid these types of increases in cases, the good news is we have excellent, effective tools to travel safely and gather with loved ones and prevent severe outcomes from COVID-19," MDHHS Chief Medical Executive Natasha Bagdasarian said.

State health officials also encouraged residents to get tested before traveling or attending group celebrations and gatherings, especially if the event will be attended by people who have increased vulnerability to the virus.

State health officials also noted that free KN95 masks were being distributed by community organizations, including local MDHHS offices, health departments and Area Agency on Aging offices.

Free home test kits were available from the federal government at covid.gov/tests, or visit Michigan.gov/COVIDTest to find a testing site.

"We encourage Michigan residents to make a COVID-19 plan: have masks and over-the-counter tests on hand, speak to your physician ahead of time to find out if you qualify for treatments if you are infected and make sure you are up-to-date on vaccines," Bagdasarian said.