(WXYZ) – As we celebrate the one-year anniversary of COVID-19 in Michigan, many are wondering what the next 3-6 months will look like, and some of the state’s leading health experts are expressing their views.
Vaccination is the key to getting life back to normal, especially with two variants of the coronavirus now in Michigan – the UK version and – just this week – the South Africa variant.
Related: A year later: A timeline of the spread of COVID-19 in Michigan
“I am very excited because I think that in three months anyone who wants to get a vaccine will be able to get it,” said MDHHS medical director, Dr. Joneigh Khaldun.
According to Khaldun, Michigan vaccinated about 18% of our population, but experts say we need 70% -90% for herd immunity.
She is also concerned that the rate of cases is no longer decreasing, but is stabilizing. She does not recommend lifting the mask’s mandate as some states have recently done.
Related: How the COVID-19 pandemic exposed huge racial and social disparities in Michigan
“I used to run in high school and college. In fact, I did the 400 obstacles. You don’t reach the last 100 of the 400 obstacles and stop. You have to keep driving, “said Khaldun.
Claude Molinari, president and CEO of the Detroit Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau, said he believes that once half the population is vaccinated, the event industry will have a big boost.
“With the launch of the new vaccines, I think there will be a huge boost in the travel / leisure / hospitality industry,” he said.
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In July, he estimates that about 20,000 fans could return to Comerica Park, and some 5-K races are likely to appear that don’t need a lot of advance planning.
“We are advancing a lot with Campus Party, which is a conference for university students. It should have about 5,000 people. I think it is now more focused on 2,000 people,” said Moliarni.
He hopes that by August Detroit will be able to host major events like the Jazz Fest on Labor Day weekend.
Many people are waiting for the summer shows to come back.
313 Presents said they are not commenting on summer shows or pandemic prospects, as it would all be speculation at this point.
Khaldun said to end the pandemic as soon as possible, we all have to wear our masks, social distance and get the vaccine when one is available to you.
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