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On Thursday, Michigan reported 1,284 new cases of COVID-19 and 75 new deaths, bringing the state’s total cases to 572,179 and deaths to 15,052. Michigan’s case counts continue to trend in a hopeful direction as health care professionals work hard to vaccinate Americans. Michigan’s current positivity rate is 5.7% and has been on the decline for 20 consecutive days. Efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID are working, and we must continue to strictly follow CDC guidelines by wearing our masks (two is better than one, according to the CDC), keeping our physical distance, and washing our hands.

Michiganders must remain vigilant, with cases of the more transmissible UK COVID variant increasing in the state, including in both Washtenaw and Wayne counties. We have the tools we need to slow the spread and reduce the appearance of variants, including masking, keeping our distance, washing our hands, and getting vaccinated when eligible. Together, we will put this virus behind us and prevent more deaths, but we have to stay focused and committed.

On Monday, Michigan reported 2,043,650 COVID vaccines have been distributed and, of that, 1,446,322 vaccines have been administered. Approximately 11% of Michigan’s population has received at least one dose of the vaccine, with that number expected to increase quickly as the Biden Administration works to increase the number of vaccines distributed across the country. Michigan continues to prioritize vaccines for those 65 and older, front-line workers, some state and federal workers, jail and prison staff, Pre-K through 12^th-grade teachers, and childcare providers.

Yesterday, President Biden announced that he has secured an agreement with vaccine manufacturers Moderna and Pfizer to deliver 200 million additional doses of the life-saving COVID vaccines, bringing the U.S. total to 600 million doses by the end of July—enough to vaccinate 300 million Americans. This agreement puts the U.S. on track to exceed President Biden’s original goal of administering 100 million vaccine doses in his first 100 days. After the Biden Administration inherited a disorganized and chaotic response to the ongoing pandemic, I applaud President Biden and the health experts he has empowered to lead our nation’s response with solutions based in science.

Yesterday, my House Energy and Commerce Committee held a meeting to work on President Biden’s American Rescue Plan, starting early in the morning and going late into the evening with more work to be done. We are working hard to ensure the next COVID relief package is bold and expansive to meet the needs of Americans struggling due to the ongoing pandemic and aim to have consideration of the package done before jobless programs lapse next month.

This week in Congress, I have been focused on speeding aid to struggling families and small businesses throughout Michigan. 9 House committees of jurisdiction, including my House Energy and Commerce Committee, have met this week to work on the American Rescue Plan and begin advancing key components of the package. We are dedicated to speeding assistance to Americans and confronting this pandemic with bold, science-based solutions, including rapidly expanding COVID vaccinations. It’s critical we get vaccines into the arms of as many Americans as possible, as quickly as possible, so we can crush COVID and build back a more equitable and just economy.

Michigan is busy at work distributing and administering COVID vaccines. More information can be found by following the links below.

Washtenaw County Vaccine Information

Wayne County Vaccine Information

Meijer stores are expanding COVID-19 vaccinations across Michigan, with plans to administer up to 25,000 vaccines to those 65 and older a week. Residents may preregister by texting COVID to 75049 or by visiting clinic.meijer.com.

Rite Aid currently has vaccine appointments available for seniors, health care workers, and frontline workers. Visit Rite Aid's COVID Vaccine Scheduler to determine your eligibility and find an available appointment. 

The State of Michigan has launched a statewide COVID testing site locator. This tool will help Michiganders search for cost-free testing sites near them. If you or someone you know may have been exposed to COVID, it is important you get tested. 

Additional COVID testing sites are announced regularly and this list may not be exhaustive. 

ACCESS Community Health and Research Center (6450 Maple Street, Dearborn) offers free mobile COVID testing every Tuesday, from 1-5 p.m. Tests will be given on a first-come-first-serve basis, though you may pre-register by texting “UPG Cares” to 48355.

The 2|42 Community Church in Ann Arbor (648 S. Wagner Road, Ann Arbor) is offering contactless drive-thru only saliva testing. Testing is available at this site Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., and on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3 to 7 p.m. Pre-registration is required for this testing site. Those needing to be tested should pre-register here: lynxdx.health/register

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**TW: Topic of Suicide**
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