With the rapid increase in the state of Michigan's response to COVID-19 cases, Governor Gretchen Whitmer is under pressure, and health officials are expected to further strengthen antiviral guidance.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Midwestern state is currently experiencing the worst case rate in the United States, with an average of 572 cases per 100,000 people in the past 7 days, ahead of Minnesota's 515 cases.

According to data from Johns Hopkins University, Michigan recorded 57,156 new cases and 520 deaths last week.

The state also set a record of weekly cases in the state last week, with 61,551 new cases between November 14 and 20.

In response, Michigan officials issued new recommendations on wearing masks in indoor environments on Friday.

Democrat Whitmer talked about the surge in cases during Tuesday's turkey giveaway event.

She said the state's Department of Health and Human Services may provide more guidance this week.

"I think you will see something coming out today or tomorrow," Whitmer said. "We realize that our medical staff are exhausted."

"As the holidays come, I am worried. We have several generations of families gathered together, some of whom will bring COVID into these activities, and sadly, some family members may get sick," Whitmer said.

However, Whitmer said she believes that because of the vaccine against the virus, there is no need for a lockdown.

"A year ago, we didn't have a vaccine," the governor said. "Now we have the tools to ensure safety."

The CDC states on its website that 64.3% of people aged 5 years and over in Michigan received at least one dose of the vaccine.

The governor urges people who have not yet been vaccinated against COVID-19 to get vaccinations.

"All of us in the Midwest are now in this group. This is a conflict of unvaccinated people," Whitmer said.

"And I'm not criticizing. I just observe that this is what is driving the growth of COVID-19 in Michigan, Wisconsin, and all of our neighboring states," she said.

Michigan issued a new public health recommendation on Friday, stating that people 2 years and older should wear masks indoors regardless of whether they are vaccinated or not.

MDHSS Director Elizabeth Hertel said in a statement on November 19 that “the number of cases, the positive rate and the hospitalization rate are very worrying for us.”

"We are issuing mask recommendations and hope that Michigan people will do our part to help protect their friends, family and communities by wearing masks indoors and getting COVID-19 and flu vaccines as soon as possible, if they have not yet done so. Do it," Hertel said.

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