Lansing, Michigan – Michigan has become the newest coronavirus epicenter in the United States, but the reason is a mystery.
“I don’t know what’s going on here. Michigan is just one of the hardest hit,” said Scott Niswonger.
Dr. Meredith Hill, director of the emergency room at Sparrow Hospital, said the increase was more dramatic than in the previous two weeks. “I think there is obviously more community spread out now,” she said.
Niswonger, a COVID-19 patient, said his son may have become infected at his daycare center. He’s been at Lansing’s Sparrow Hospital since Friday.
“We all went and we were tested and everyone tested positive and it has been a downward spiral ever since,” said Niswonger. “It looks like someone, a 500-pound guy sitting on my chest and I just couldn’t push it.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that the most recent increase in COVID-19 cases across the country is run by younger americans. One theory: a possible link with the reopening of schools and sports after classes.
“We are learning that many outbreaks in young people are related to youth sports and extracurricular activities. According to CDC guidance, these activities should be limited,” said Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the CDC.
There was also a spike in variant B.1.1.7 that originated in the UK and is now considered responsible for a third of all cases in the USA
“We know that B.1.1.7 is more transmissible, something between 50-100% more transmissible. Whether it is more transmissible specifically at different demographic ages, we still don’t know,” said Walensky.
But there is also good news across the country. Four million vaccinations were reported on Saturday. At least 23% of American adults are fully vaccinated and 40% have received at least one dose, according to the CDC.
As of Monday in Michigan, anyone aged 16 or over can be vaccinated, joining 27 other states in expanding eligibility.
“You are so excited that a vaccine has been released and it is a little disheartening to see the spread go beyond the vaccine,” said Hill. “We are just trying to stay strong and be as positive as we can.”
Correction: This story has been updated to correct the assignment of a quote on the increase in COVID cases in Michigan to Scott Niswonger, a COVID-19 patient.