The Grand Rapids region was moved to the “high risk” phase for coronavirus control and three other regions also moved a level worse (Michigan Department of Health and Human Services)Courtesy: Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
As coronavirus cases increase in Michigan, state health leaders have downgraded several state regions on a coronavirus “risk phase” map.
The Grand Rapids region was moved to “high risk,” joining the Lansing region. The metro Detroit area also dropped one grade to “medium high” risk and regions in the northern Lower Peninsula and Upper Peninsula moved to “medium risk.”
The state maintains the MI Safe Start Map as a way to gauge the control of coronavirus in various areas of the state.
The map does not affect any region’s status under Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s economic reopening plan and most of the Lower Peninsula remains at level four.
According to the map, as updated July 4, the Grand Rapids region has dropped two phases since June 25 when it was in the “medium risk” phase.
State health leaders say the region has experienced three weeks of COVID-19 case increases.
Related: Michigan sees largest one-day coronavirus case increase in 7 weeks
Kent County Health Director Adam London, in a video posted to the health department Facebook page Wednesday, July 8, said the daily new coronavirus cases are now averaging about 50, which is about double what it was two weeks ago.
He called the increase “concerning.”
“I think it’s important for us to know that right now we are in a precarious position. We are seeing cases increase and we know that we are very vulnerable for a resurgence in cases,” he said.
He also said the county’s rate of positive cases, compared against all coronavirus tests administered, is about 3.7 percent. The rate is above the state’s 2 percent goal.
According to the state map, the nine-county Detroit region was moved one risk level lower “based on case rate and percent positivity increases over three weeks.”
The Traverse City region and Upper Peninsula shifted from the “low risk” phase to the “medium risk” phase because both have “seen increased case rates and testing positivity.”
The Lansing region remained in the “high risk” phase. The region was moved to that level in late June after a spike in coronavirus cases largely related to attendance at an East Lansing bar in mid-June.
COVID-19 PREVENTION TIPS
In addition to washing hands regularly and not touching your face, officials recommend practicing social distancing, assuming anyone may be carrying the virus.
Health officials say you should be staying at least 6 feet away from others and working from home, if possible.
Use disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray cleaners on frequently-touched surfaces in your home (door handles, faucets, countertops) and carry hand sanitizer with you when you go into places like stores.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has also issued an executive order requiring people to wear face coverings over their mouth and nose while inside enclosed, public spaces.
Additional information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.
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