COVID Update: Slowing down

Michigan: The spring surge of the pandemic may be coming to an end, but the rate at which it’s declining slowed down over the past week.
For about two months beginning in March, the number of new COVID-19 infections rose steadily. More recently, those daily infection numbers have been declining, but the decline is slowing down.
State health officials reported 18,453 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday. That averages out to 2,636 new cases per day over the last week. That’s just a little over 100 new cases per day less than we were experiencing last week. It’s a disappointing number considering average daily infections dropped by nearly 1,000 the previous week.
The disappointing news also extends to COVID death numbers. Last week, the state reported that about seven people had died from the coronavirus each day. This week, that number jumped to almost 19 deaths per day. Officials reported that 131 people had died from COVID-19 since last Wednesday. That’s more than double the number from the previous week.
On the bright side, hospitalizations are continuing to fall. As of Wednesday, 939 people with COVID-19 were being treated in hospitals throughout the state. That’s 129 fewer patients than were counted the week before.
Kalamazoo County: Meanwhile, COVID stats continued to improve in Kalamazoo County.
Officials reported 454 new cases of COVID-19 in the county on Wednesday. That's exactly 50 fewer than the previous week. On average, about 65 people are contracting the virus each day in Kalamazoo. That, too, is a decline — from 72 new infections per day during the week before last.
One more person has died from COVID-19 over the past week. That keeps Kalamazoo County's death average steady at one death per week.
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Community Conversation: Navigating COVID – What’s Your New Normal?

Tuesday, June 28
5:30-7:30 p.m.
El Concilio, 930 Lake Street, Kalamazoo
- Facilitated small group discussions will provide a forum to voice challenges and lift up solutions to mental health issues brought on by COVID-19, such as feelings of fear, anxiety, depression and stress caused by long periods of isolation and operating in an altered environment.
- The event, for those 18 and older, will include a light dinner and childcare (limited space).
- Spanish-speaking interpreters and facilitators will be available. Those needing ASL (American Sign Language) interpretation should note that when registering.
- Mental health resources also will be available before and after the event.
Register by June 24 at https://swmichjournalism.com/signup/