Michigan reported a record number of coronavirus cases a day on Monday, about a month after restrictions were eased during a downward trend in new infections, according to Reuters.
The Great Lakes State registered 11,082 cases on Monday, surpassing the previous daily record of 10,140 on November 20. Reuters notes that Michigan currently has the highest number of new cases and hospitalizations per 100,000 people and was the only state in the nation to report more than 7,000 cases a month.
Michigan began easing some restrictions on public gatherings in March, increasing capacity for gyms, restaurants, retail stores and entertainment venues. Reuters notes that when the restrictions were relaxed, Michigan reported about 1,800 new cases daily. This average has since risen to more than 6,700 cases each day.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Michigan has confirmed more than 768,000 cases of coronavirus and more than 17,000 associated deaths.
Almost 5 million doses of vaccine have been administered in the state.
On Monday, Michigan also opened vaccine eligibility for everyone over the age of 16, joining a handful of other states that have already done so.
This new increase in cases in the state comes as several health experts have warned that the US could enter a fourth wave of coronavirus cases fueled by new, more infectious strains of COVID-19.
When asked last week if he thinks some states should stop reopening efforts, President Biden
Joe Biden’s surprising presidency The Hill’s Morning Report – Biden and McConnell agree on vaccines, face infrastructure Republican battle with MLB intensifies MORE he replied, “Yes.”