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Michigan sees virus surge, but tighter restrictions unlikely

Yvonne Gibbs
Posted at 3:17 PM, Mar 25, 2021
and last updated 2021-03-25 15:17:30-04

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan, which not long ago had among the country’s lowest COVID-19 infection rates, is confronting an alarming spike that some public health experts worry could be a harbinger nationally.

RELATED: Michigan reports 5,224 new COVID-19 cases, 49 new deaths

RELATED: Active cases of COVID-19 up nearly 82% in Michigan since start of March

The resurgence is being fueled by loosened restrictions, a more infectious variant and pandemic fatigue.

While rising vaccination rates provide protection for seniors, the upswing is boosting hospitalizations among younger adults and threatening in-person instruction at schools.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says it's a “stark reminder that this virus is still very real.”

But she doesn't plan to tighten restrictions on indoor dining and sports that were eased in recent months.