Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s administration reports progress in the fight against the coronavirus, saying new cases continue to decline and Michigan has seen no spike related to Thanksgiving travel.
Officials warn, though, that the case rate remains high.
"We are cautiously optimistic there was not a post-Thanksgiving surge in cases," said Joneigh Khaldun, the state's Chief Medical Executive, "That means many Michiganders did their part in keeping the virus down over the Thanksgiving holiday."
Khaldun said cases per million people, hospitalizations and positivity rates are all trending down. However, she said now is not the time to let our guards down.
Whitmer urged limiting travel and gatherings for the upcoming holidays, saying "just don't do it."
Whitmer, a Democrat, said Tuesday that “hope is on the horizon” now that a vaccine is being distributed. She again urged the Republican-led Legislature to approve relief for businesses and workers before adjourning in coming days.
A state health order has prohibited indoor restaurant dining and closed entertainment venues to keep hospitals from being overwhelmed with infected patients. The restrictions could be extended.
Ottawa County also did not see a huge spike in cases after Thanksgiving. Kristina Wieghmink, the public information officer for the Ottawa County Department of Public Health, said that could be for a number of reasons. She hopes prevention was the key.
Ottawa County has seen a leveling off of COVID-19 cases. Although, Wieghmink said the county is still at a critical point, and cases are still higher than earlier this year. She also urged limiting travel and gatherings going into the Christmas Holiday.
"We want to be diligent as ever," said Wieghtmink, "Even as we're moving into this new frontier and excitement of getting a vaccine at this time, there are still many things that need to take place. We have a lot of work to do to get this vaccine distributed and administered to people."
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