Michigan Adds 1,193 New Coronavirus Cases, 10 Deaths Friday

MICHIGAN — Michigan added 1,193 new cases of the coronavirus and 10 more COVID-19 deaths Friday, according to the most recent data released by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

Friday's updated figures bring Michigan's total coronavirus numbers to 573,372 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 15,062 reported COVID-19 deaths, according to MDHHS data.

Michigan surpassed 15,000 deaths attributed to the coronavirus on Thursday when it reported 55 more COVID-19 deaths. More than 498,000 people in Michigan have recovered from the coronavirus, state health officials said Saturday.

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Here are some headlines related to the coronavirus in Michigan you may have missed this week:

Budget Focuses On Michigan Coronavirus Efforts

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Thursday revealed her proposed budget for 2022 and much of it focused on improving public health amid the coronavirus pandemic or on rebuilding the state's economy, which has been disrupted by executive orders issued during the pandemic.

The budget includes spending $360 million for a direct care wage increase to permanently maintain the $2/hour wage increase for direct care workers. It also aims to supplement nursing homes that lost revenue from having fewer bud occupancy during the pandemic with a $28 million one-time payment.

U.K. Variant of Coronavirus Spread in Michigan

Michigan continues to combat the spread of a new, faster-spreading variant of the coronavirus. State health officials told Patch Thursday that more than 61 cases of B.1.1.7, otherwise knowns as the coronavirus variant from the U.K., have been identified in Michigan.

Earlier this week, an employee at a Michigan prison tested positive for the variant, making them the first known person in Michigan prisons to contract B.1.1.7.

Khaldun Named to White House Task Force

One of Michigan's leading health officials was recognized for her work as Michigan's leading strategist in the state's response to the coronavirus pandemic, being named to the COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force.

Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, Michigan's Chief Medical Executive of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, is one of 12 people appointed to the task force, which will be charged with recommending ways to help inform COVID-19 responses and recovery efforts in an equitable way.

"So honored to be nominated by President Biden to serve on the White House COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force along such accomplished colleagues," she tweeted upon the announcement being made. "Much work to do, but I am ready!"

Meijer Expands Vaccinations In Michigan

Meijer has already helped vaccinate more than 20,000 people in Michigan against the coronavirus and now has its sights set on administering up to 25,000 doses to people 65 and older by the end of the week.

The retailer began immunizations about three weeks ago at a limited number of pharmacies in Wayne County before expanding to Berrien, Genesee and Muskegon counties, according to a report Tuesday by The Associated Press.

More than 40 Meijer stores across the state will partake in administering COVID-19 vaccines, with some administering up to 1,200 a day as part of a push to expand access to the vaccine beyond hospitals and local health department, The Associated Press reported.

FEMA Helps Michigan Vaccination Efforts

Michigan got a boost in its efforts to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine by way of $8.3 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency and Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division, FEMA officials said Monday.

The funding is an advance payment to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for costs for a public information campaign focused on the vaccination efforts across the state. The campaign aims to inform the public about COVID-19 vaccination safety, COVID-19 vaccination sites, hours of operation and the registration process to get the vaccine, according to a news release.

Winter Contact Sports Resumed Monday

High school's across the state began participating in winter contact sports in Michigan Monday, something that was permitted through an executive order issued by state health officials last week.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced on Tuesday that winter contact sports in Michigan could resume Monday, albeit with some health guidelines in place amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.