“People should have the right to make that decision."

The state said COVID cases are up because of K-12 schools, where not everyone was able to get vaccinated until a couple of weeks ago.

A Public Health Advisory will recommend everyone over the age of 2 wear a face mask at indoor gatherings regardless of vaccination status.

Everyone enrolled receives one kit containing two tests.

Starting Jan. 4, the federal government is requiring employers with 100 or more employees to require its workers to be vaccinated against COVID or be tested weekly.

More than one million Michigan residents have already received their COVID booster.

Over 14,000 new COVID-19 cases were reported in Michigan on Wednesday.

“We’re going to see these kinds of things actually get worse if we don’t take responsible actions on an individual level."

Dr. Pete Gulick, Michigan State University Professor of Medicine, said the relaxation of COVID precautions could explain the recent surge.

"We thank Michiganders who have done their part to keep their families and communities safe by getting vaccinated," said MDHHS chief medical executive Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian.

Sparrow and McLaren Greater Lansing have not mandated COVID-19 vaccinations for employees, but by January 4, anyone who works in health care facilities participating in the Medicare and Medicaid programs will have to be fully vaccinated.

"This is a surge that’s effecting virtually every region throughout the state of Michigan, both urban and rural."

For the foreseeable future, vaccine appointments for adolescents are booked up.

Pfizer said it will ask the FDA and international regulators to authorize its pill as soon as possible, after independent experts recommended halting the company’s study based on the strength of its results. Once Pfizer applies, the FDA could make a decision within weeks or months.

As of Friday afternoon, Monday appointments are 80% booked.

CVS is encouraging patients to schedule an appointment online at CVS.com or through the CVS Pharmacy app to ensure availability.

Data from the FDA and CDC show that children 5 to 11 years of age account for approximately 9% of COVID-19 cases in the U.S. overall, and approximately 40% of pediatric cases.

BEDHD anticipates the number of occupied inpatient beds to rise as the flu season progresses.

Ingham County’s health officer says the shot for children under the age of 12 is just as effective, just in a smaller dose.

The directive requires the State of Michigan to routinely report the number of children ages 5 to 11 who received a vaccine dose.