Michigan may be entering “second wave”

The state is averaging more than 1,100 new cases of COVID-19 per day. Hospitalizations from the virus are at their highest level in months. And deaths are increasing.

That leads some health experts to say we’re entering the second wave of COVID-19.

Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, the state’s chief medical executive, warned that things could get worse. Her comments came during a news conference on Tuesday.

“Remain vigilant. Take this seriously no matter what part of the state you live in,” she said. “Things like wearing masks, avoiding large gatherings … washing hands frequently – those things work. Stay home if you are sick so you do not spread the disease to others.”

After nearly seven months of pandemic many people are suffering from “pandemic fatigue.” That may be leading to some of the uptick in coronavirus cases, especially in the Upper Peninsula where case counts had been lower until recently.

“For whatever reason they don’t believe that they need to abide by public health guidance and they don’t believe the pandemic is as severe as it is,” said Nick DeRusha, the president of the Michigan Association for Local Public Health and a health officer for several U.P. counties.

You can read more on Bridge Michigan.