CDC: Restrictions needed to slow Michigan virus surge, specifically in indoor youth sports - WDIV ClickOnDetroit

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is urging Michigan -- and other states struggling with increased COVID-19 spread -- to impose restrictions to curb infections.

Rochelle Walensky recommended that restrictions should be put in place in Michigan to help slow virus spread -- specifically within youth sports.

While those aged 20-39 years old have the highest case rates -- and are driving virus hospitalizations in Michigan -- K-12 schools top the list of coronavirus outbreak locations in the state.

Walensky is urging the state to impose restrictions on indoor, contact youth sports.

The CDC director’s recommendation comes as Michigan leads the nation in virus spread, reporting the highest COVID case rate of any state over the last week.

That still remains true as of April 8, except for the infection rates: Puerto Rico has surpassed Michigan’s COVID infection rate, now leading the nation with a rate of 1.22, the data shows.

Health officials are particularly concerned with the up-tick in hospitalizations in Michigan amid the virus surge, specifically among a smaller age group.

Elizabeth Hertel, Director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, said that hospitals can handle the rise in virus cases and hospitalizations.

Despite rising COVID infections and hospitalizations, and recommendations from the CDC, Michigan officials have maintained that their plan is to prioritize vaccines to combat the virus surge, not impose new restrictions.

The state has imposed regular, mandatory COVID-19 testing for teen athletes to help slow virus spread -- though some parents are staunchly against it