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The US federal government will send 44 military medical staffers to help under-pressure hospitals in Michigan to treat Covid-19 patients following a fourth wave that is the worst in the country. It will also open beds at the Veterans Affairs hospital in Detroit for transfers. Governor Gretchen Whitmer sought assistance at the request of the Michigan Health & Hospital Association. The state health department said the two teams of 22 physicians, nurses, and respiratory therapists. They will arrive next week and care for patients for 30 days at Beaumont Hospital in Dearborn and Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids. On Wednesday, at least 4,100 people were hospitalized with confirmed or suspected coronavirus cases. The 3,900 hospitalized adults with confirmed infections were 87% more than a month ago and about 94% of the state’s record high, which was set in April.

Whitmer issued a statement and said, “Right now, our doctors and nurses are reporting the vast majority of their patients are unvaccinated or have not yet received a booster dose. We can all do our part to help reduce the strain on our hospital systems by getting vaccinated, making an appointment to get a booster dose, and continuing to take precautions to keep ourselves and loved ones safe”. CEO of the statewide hospital group, Brian Peters said, “The situation is dire and the Department of Defense’s support is desperately needed. Many hospitals throughout the state are operating at capacity, delaying non-emergency medical procedures and placing their emergency departments on diversion. Receiving these teams of federal caregivers can only help those hospitals”.

More than 25,000 people have died with confirmed or probable COVID-19 cases in Michigan and again had the country’s highest seven-day infection rate on Wednesday. The Johns Hopkins University data shows 17,000 new cases over two days and 280 additional deaths. The seven-day daily average, 8,165 as of Tuesday, was near its highest point of the 20-month pandemic. More than 58% of residents ages 5 and up are fully vaccinated, which is below the national rate of nearly 63%. Around 27% of fully vaccinated adults have received a booster, above the 20% rate nationally. However, Nationwide Thanksgiving looks better than last year’s. The CDC data shows Covid-19 cases are down nearly 46% and there are fewer hospitalizations and deaths.