Michigan health director resigns, contact sports, COVID variant

LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Michigan, gave an update on COVID-19 in the state, including the future of contact sports, the distribution of a new COVID variant, and more about the resignation of Michigan’s health director.

Here are our seven take-aways from Monday afternoon’s briefing.

Whitmer reported on progress in distributing COVID-19 vaccines across the state, comparing current numbers with those of two weeks ago.

From two weeks ago, Michigan administered only 44% of the state-controlled vaccines, although the rest would be administered, she said.

Now, 67% of the state’s supply of vaccines has gone into arms, Whitmer said.

“This is good news, and I’m proud, as we all should be, of the progress we’ve made,” Whitmer said.

While the state reports progress in its distribution of vaccines, thousands of residents are still trying to make appointments.

Government officials said they are still getting enough vaccines for everyone in phases 1A and 1B to get their first doses.

“I know people are anxious and ready to get the vaccine, and honestly, that’s a good thing,” Whitmer said. “The fact is, we do not have the necessary supplies yet.”

She said Michigan officials have a plan to vaccinate 50,000 people a day.

“Once we have the vaccines we need, every Michigander who wants vaccination will get the vaccine,” Whitmer said.

The governor spoke about vaccinations, food aid and job losses, while highlighting what her government has done to help Michiganders through the pandemic.

She said nearly 900,000 children in the state received food aid through a partnership between MDHHS and the Michigan Department of Education.

But Whitmer also highlights some of the issues that still plague the state. She said there are university students losing their jobs due to the pandemic, and some have to choose between university and food.

“There’s light at the end of the tunnel, but we’re still in the tunnel,” Whitmer said.

She asked the legislature in Michigan to pass her COVID recovery plan, which includes the distribution of vaccines, support for small businesses and further direction to schools.

Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, MDHHS chief medical officer, provided updated COVID-19 statistics for the state.

Michigan’s death toll is 203 cases per million people, she said. It is 72% lower since the November peak.

The state’s percentage of tests that return positive is also declining. According to Khaldun, it is currently 6.2%.

The percentage of cot beds currently occupied by COVID-19 patients is 9.2%.

The new COVID-19 variant, B.1.1.7, is still distributed in Michigan, Khaldun said.

As of Monday, the state has identified at least 13 confirmed cases in Washtenaw County and four confirmed cases in Wayne County.

“There are probably more cases that we have not yet identified, and there is a possible spread of the variant that is currently taking place,” Khaldun said.

She said the variant could be more easily spread from person to person, but did not appear to cause more serious illnesses. Current tests can identify the variant, and the vaccine appears to be working against it, she said.

But because it’s more contagious, officials are concerned about the variant causing a dramatic increase in Michigan’s case and positivity figures.

“We do not want to have to go backwards to slow down the great progress we have already made,” Khaldun said.

MDHHS Director Robert Gordon abruptly resigned Friday, and Whitmer fast Elizabeth Hertel appointed to fill the role.

Hertel joined Whitmer for Monday’s briefing and made her first comments since taking office as Michigan’s health director.

“I am honored to be here for the first time as Director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services,” Hertel said.

She thanked Gordon for “his service and support of our mission and his service to our state and its people.”

Hertel spoke about the steps taken to ensure Michigan families have access to food during the pandemic.

“I’m proud to lead this section, where I can see evidence of the differences that are made every day, whether it’s to ensure Michiganders have access to benefits or food during difficult times, or to protect public health. of Michiganders in times of crisis, “Hertel said. “I look forward to continuing this wonderful work with my colleagues at MDHHS.”

When Whitmer released a release on Friday announcing Hertel’s appointment as Michigan’s new health director, Gordon’s was the only mention at the end of the release:

“Robert Gordon resigned from his post, and the governor accepted his resignation.”

Whitmer was asked about Gordon’s resignation during the question-and-answer section of Monday’s briefing.

“I want to thank Robert Gordon, and also director Hertel,” Whitmer said. “Leading this department in unimaginable circumstances has been extremely difficult, and on behalf of all the people in Michigan, I want to thank him for his service to our state. He worked hard to protect our public. ”

Whitmer admits this, saying she’s glad there’s another “incredibly qualified person” to run the department.

She was specifically asked about her relationship with Gordon.

“I think I have nothing to add regarding my comments about the former director,” Whitmer said. “I shared with you that I wish him well. I’m grateful for his leadership, and we have a wonderful new director at the apartment, so we’ll continue to move forward here. ‘

Two questions later, Whitmer was once again pressed about whether she would ask for Gordon’s resignation and whether the news was expected.

“I think I answered the question,” Whitmer said. ‘I think the only thing I would say is that it’s been an exhausting few years and that there are changes in the administration. I wish Robert Gordon the best. I really do, and I’m incredibly grateful for the hard work and the way he’s shown up every day for the last few years. It was a long, unimaginable experience, and I’m grateful we had his guidance for two years, and I congratulate him on moving forward. ”

The ban on certain winter contact sports has become a controversial topic in Michigan, especially since the high schools’ soccer final was allowed over the weekend.

Dr. Nikolai Vitti, the superintendent of Detroit schools, sent a letter to Whitmer on Monday and says it is inconsistent to return to personal learning by March 1, but refuses to restart contact sports.

“The constant suspension of winter sports contacts contradicts the message that it is safe to return to personal learning,” Vitti wrote. “One just needs to ask any winter contact athlete, and they will tell you that we are sending mixed and conflicting messages to them.”

Whitmer said officials are keeping a close eye on the numbers regarding contact sports.

“I think it’s important to point out (the variant) and the severity and the very contagious aspects of this variant,” Whitmer said. “I understand the concerns that parents and athletes have and their desire to participate again, but also point to some events that have happened over the past few days.”

The governor referred to an outbreak at the University of Michigan that forced the athletics department to close completely for two weeks.

“Our job is to try to limit the spread of this new virus, this new variant in Michigan, and we should not wait,” Whitmer said.