Michigan has a seen a dramatic drop in the number of Covid-19 infections, but health officials are still concerned about the new strain that is more contagious. An outbreak in Washtenaw County has already been linked to the B 117 variant.
Chief Medical Executive Doctor Joneigh Khaldun says now is the time to stay vigilant and follow proper health precautions.
“If this new variant becomes more common, as many scientists have said it could, it will mean more cases, more hospitalizations on unfortunately, more deaths,” said Khaldun.
Despite the concerns, the state health department is lifting the ban on indoor dining starting February 1st – though there will be capacity restrictions and a 10 pm curfew.
Khaldun urges people who are elderly – or live with someone who is – to avoid eating in restaurants due to an increased risk of infection.