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Delta variant responsible for 99% of tests sequenced in Michigan over last 4 weeks

Posted at 8:58 AM, Aug 19, 2021
and last updated 2021-08-19 08:58:13-04

(WXYZ) — Concerning data from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services shows more of what health officials have been warning against.

Related: COVID-19 spreading faster in Michigan with delta variant, health officials say

The delta variant is surging through Michigan's unvaccinated population, putting communities at risk.

A little more than a week ago, Michigan had around 340 cases of the delta variant. That number is now up to about 740.

Related: MDHHS: COVID-19 breakthrough cases account for less than 1% of fully vaccinated Michiganders

On top of that, officials say 99% of the COVID-19 test samples available for sequencing are the delta variant.

Related: State: 97.6% of COVID-19 cases between January & July were those not fully vaccinated

Half of Michigan's counties are in the red zone, meaning high transmission, and the 20-29 age group is fueling the surge.

On Wednesday, the state reported nearly 2,690 new cases of COVID-19, an average of 1,345 per day.

"We are now over 100 cases per million people, which is 600% more than when we were at our June 26 low," Sarah Lyon-Callo, a state epidemiologist, said.

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