In a year like none other, 2020 was in many ways defined by a relentless pandemic that touched every element of life and killed thousands of Michiganders.
As coronavirus case counts rise, we know the virus itself is not at all over, nor is the economic crisis that came in its wake. We need real policy solutions that focus on the human toll of the virus.
Coronavirus killed nearly as many as strokes, Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes combined in Michigan this year. Heart disease and cancer are the top two causes of death.
Coronavirus cases fell after Michigan imposed restrictions on businesses. But was that the cause of decline? And was it worth the cost to the economy? It could take years to know for sure, and anecdotal evidence nationwide isn’t as strong as supporters suggest.
The coronavirus struck hard in November, closing schools, cutting off incomes and putting an end to the notion that this mid-Michigan town could somehow elude a pandemic.
With vaccines still scarce, hospital and emergency workers are first in line. But as more get vaccinated, local health officials must make tough choices among essential workers and other, more vulnerable groups.
Grand Valley State University medical ethicist Jeffrey Byrnes addresses some of the moral questions involved in dispensing scarce supplies of vaccines.
No indoor dining at restaurants until Jan. 15, but casinos, movie theaters, bowling alleys, stadiums and in-school learning can reopen Monday with some limitations, according to the new order from Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
He'd look at me, pleadingly, the reality of the situation dawning anew each time. And then he would wink or mouth the words "I love you" and his eyes would close again.
State health officials are tracking the recipients of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, and Bridge Michigan has incorporated the information into its coronavirus dashboard.
Congressional leaders are nearing a $900 billion stimulus that would extend include $600 checks and an eviction moratorium, but no relief to municipalities stung by lost income taxes.
Troy Tank has defied orders to close indoor dining at his restaurant in the Thumb, saying his economic survival depends on business as usual. But Sanilac County’s top health official wants the place closed amid a virus surge he calls “rampant.”
To ensure that Michigan’s vulnerable students and families receive the support they need and deserve, we urge Michigan leaders to invest immediately in the most effective, highest leverage research-based strategies to begin to address troubling inequities.
On Monday, a 46-year-old pulmonologist at Spectrum Health became the first Michigan recipient of a COVID-19 vaccine. Health leaders say broad vaccination is needed to protect society, but businesses, including hospitals, do not yet appear ready to require them of workers.
Two weeks after the holiday, coronavirus cases are declining in Michigan as they are increasing elsewhere. Health officials are optimistic families heeded the message to avoid larger gatherings.
Distribution begins with 56 hospitals and 16 health departments throughout Michigan, while those in health care settings, essential workers and the elderly are first in line.
In a party-line vote, the Michigan Senate passes legislation requiring its approval to extend emergency orders past 28 days. A veto is certain, but one lawmaker says the GOP needs to stop Whitmer’s ‘emasculation’ of lawmakers.