Less testing, more vaccination

Demand for COVID-19 testing is close to a pandemic low in Michigan. That comes as more and more people are being vaccinated against the virus.

Over the past week, the state has averaged about 21,508 COVID tests per day. It’s a drop of more than 16,000 from a month ago, and it’s the lowest the rate has been since July of last year. Back then infection rates were at a lull in between the initial surge of the pandemic in the spring and the second wave in the fall.

The drop-off in testing may not be a surprise considering the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently issued guidance saying vaccinated people don’t need to be tested after a known exposure to the virus.

As of Saturday, 46% of Michigan’s population age 12 and up has been fully inoculated against COVID-19. That represents a significant portion of the market for COVID tests.

Nonetheless, Michigan isn’t dialing back testing efforts just yet. State officials say they haven’t closed any testing sites, though they have reduced staffing levels somewhat.

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