The State of Michigan recently lowered its mask recommendations just as a new study revealed 73% of Americans are immune to the omicron variant, FOX 2 Detroit reported.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) emphasized that while vaccinations remain one of the most important public health tools to protect Michiganders from severe outcomes due to COVID-19, there are additional tools such as isolation and quarantine, therapeutics, testing and increasing use of environmental interventions (e.g., ventilation).
Based on current conditions, MDHHS is expiring the Public Health Advisory on Masking in Indoor Public Settings, including school settings.
Going forward, the COVID-19 response cycle can be broken down into three key phases:
• Response – Local and state public health implement rapid response to a surge. The public may
be advised to increase masking, testing and social distancing.
• Recovery – Post-surge. No immediate resurgence predicted. Local and state public health will
monitor conditions that could lead to future surges.
• Readiness – A surge in cases is expected, with implications on severity of illness and hospital
capacity. Increased communication to the public regarding possible new risks.
MDHHS supports adjusting mask recommendations as the state cycles through periods of response, recovery and
readiness and following local health department decisions based on local conditions.
Some of the largest businesses to remove their mask requirement was MotorCity Casino and Hotel, which noted that this week guests would not have to wear one.
Michigan says it is in the recovery phase after the state’s latest outbreak following the COVID-19 omicron wave. Roughly 73% of Americans are immune from the variant, which could increase to 80% by mid-March.
“I am optimistic even if we have a surge in summer, cases will go up, but hospitalizations and deaths will not,” Ali Mokdad told the Associated Press.
Masks are still recommended in certain settings, like long-term nursing facilities and jails, per the article. Some experts feel it may be too early to remove the mak mandates.
“I think maybe we’re a little soon,” said Dr. Matthew Sims of Beaumont.
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