CDC chief says Michigan should 'shut things down,' vaccinating alone won't stop Covid surge

[pstokely]

Source: CNBC

“I think if we try to vaccinate our way out of what is happening in Michigan, we would be disappointed that it took so long for the vaccine to work, to actually have the impact,” Walensky said during a White House briefing on the pandemic. It takes several weeks for immunizations to kick in and reduce the caseload, she noted.
The state’s best bet, Walensky said, “is to really close things down.”

Walensky called on Michigan “to go back to where we were last spring, last summer and to shut things down, to flatten the curve, to decrease contact with one another” and to ramp up testing and contact tracing efforts. Cases in Michigan have dramatically risen in recent weeks, averaging 7,359 new cases per day over the last week and approaching its pandemic highs set around Thanksgiving, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University. Deaths are also on the rise.

“Really what we need to do in those situations is shut things down,” Walensky said.



Read more: https://www.cnbc.com/2021/04/12/covid-shutdown-cdc-chief-says-vaccinating-alone-wont-stop-michigan-covid-surge.html

[TreasonousBastard]

1. But just try to shut it down.

[Bev54]

2. Exactly haven't the courts already gone against their previous attempts at

shut downs and masks?

[Calista241]

47. they just have to pass a law empowering the Governor to do what they need to do.

and they can't treat religion any different than anything else.

[DownriverDem]

52. MI Legislature

is in repub control. They passed a law to take away Gov Whitmer's power. She has then used the power of the MI Health Department. Politics are in play here big time plus a number of folks here are wanting no rules. So now it's up to the MI repubs to respond. I'm vaccinated, but being cautious.

[DBoon]

64. So put responsibility on the legislature

Tell them to authorize a shutdown. Let the CDC provide an estimate of the lives that would be saved.

Make it clear that if the legislature does not authorize shutdown, the deaths will be on them.

[idziak4ever1234]

3. It has come to the point that if she did close things down, businesses wouldn't comply...

and judges seem only too willing to ignore her guidance.

[EarthFirst]

4. Miserable; selfish individuals will howl in protest!

I fear for my fellow Democrats in Michigan; for there may be no turning back the pages in an effort that benefits the greater good; controlled by a selfish minority.

[Evolve Dammit]

34. well said.

[bluestarone]

5. She was 100% right and we all know this and the Michigan QTHUGS know this

It's all for QRUMP and we KNOW THAT too! These people are so fucking EVIL!

[ShazzieB]

27. Yes to everything you said!

GD Repugs.

[Raven123]

6. CDC warned against opening up. The result was predicted. Too late to close the barn

The CDC is correct. I understand they are sending support and more therapeutics to hot spots. That’s the best they can do.

[Initech]

12. But how much longer do we have to keep living like this?

The CDC would have us closed down for the next five - six years if they could.

[pstokely]

19. better safe than sorry

you're not hearing that from any politicians

[ShazzieB]

24. That's not what I've heard AT ALL.

I don't believe the CDC has never said everything needs to be locked down for the next 5-6 years. If you have a legitimate source that says that, please post a link.

My understanding is that we just need to get a certain % of the population fully vaccinated. At the rate things are going, that will be done in a matter of months, not years.

[Initech]

50. I'm not saying that's legit.

I'm just saying it feels that way.

[ShazzieB]

58. Okay, I get it.

I see now that you were exaggerating for effect.

The way it's worded, it sounds like a statement of (supposed) fact, and that's what I was reacting to. Didn't see the smilie for some reason.

For whatever reason, it doesn't feel that way to me. I live in a state that has has a mask mandate in effect constantly since March 2020, and varying degrees of stuff being shut down or on reduced hours off and on ever since, depending on what was happening with the curve. It has been a pita sometimes, but I don't mind it that much, especially the masks,. The hassle is worth it to me, because it keeps me and everyone around me safer. I realize it's harder for some people, but we're talking about people's lives. If fewer people end up dying of this plague, that's worth the sacrifices involved to me.

Looking at what's going on in MI right now makes me happy that I live in a state that takes masking and other precautions seriously. I hope things get better up there soon.

[Evolve Dammit]

37. Had the agency not been taken over by the last admin. we would be in a much different place. nt

[Initech]

51. Yup, elections have consequences.

And unfortunately the last term, they chose wrong.

[Evolve Dammit]

53. Indeed. And have adopted the strategy as their own, worshipping the Orange One.

[DBoon]

65. Well if they don't shut down, you could be one of the dead

problem solved.

[Blues Heron]

7. we're learning the true danger of an under-educated populace

It's pretty deadly.

[JohnnyRingo]

8. Good luck with that

Donald Trump has poisoned this country.
He's poisoned minds, state legislation, and he even tried to poison us with bleach.
The man is toxic

[Evolve Dammit]

38. "Everything Trump Touches Dies." Rick Wilson. Can't read it yet. nt

[llmart]

9. I believe I posted that yesterday saying she should have just mandated a shutdown.

The idiots who live here don't understand that who the heck is going to want to come to Michigan with the reputation the state is getting? Come to think of it, I haven't seen any "Pure Michigan" ads lately.

Nothing "pure" about us with all the loonies that live here. I'm glad I am fully immunized. I don't get out amongst those kinds anyway.

The ignoramuses that live here think they're going to cause Whitmer to fail just by not following the guidelines and they're willing to get sick and die for their stupidity.

[MichMan]

11. Need a complete shutdown this time.

Not like we did a year ago when half of everything was deemed essential.

Things like liquor stores, lottery, hardware stores, auto parts stores, & recreational marijuana all "essential" What a joke

Every single business should have been forced to close. People would be assigned 1 hour a week for grocery shopping at a set time around the clock. No US mail, UPS or Fed Ex except for medicine would be allowed.

Anyone caught out driving for any other purpose should have their vehicle impounded and issued a $1000 ticket.

[BigmanPigman]

13. That would do the trick.

[pstokely]

21. and who would do the enforcement?

if things aren't being enforced now?

[BigmanPigman]

39. I haven't seen many police getting orders to

enforce this. I remember seeing a video from 2020 when Italy was the big Covid hot spot. The town's mayor actually would yell at people to go home and get off the streets during lockdown. It worked.

In San Diego last Summer during partial lockdown there were weekly drumming circles at a local each. The police put up yellow tape and right after people tore it down. I have no problem with the police issuing very expensive fines. I think that is the way to go...hit them in the pocketbook.

[femmedem]

25. I agree that a shutdown is necessary, but alcoholics can die from withdrawal.

For an advanced alcoholic, withdrawal can require hospitalization.

[roamer65]

36. Unless you are fully vaccinated.

I’ve already offered to unvaccinated family to shop for them if needed.

[llmart]

54. Don't forget bars...

What a hardship for people if they shut down the bars.

[ybbor]

10. Add to the overall non-compliance to her "mandates"

That so many Michiganders took to the COVID skies and flew to the incredibly safe locale of Florida over the past two-three weeks to really help with containment.

I’m lucky and live in Ann Arbor which has very high compliance, but the students are still not completely being safe. I was at Lowe’s today and saw 3 men without masks on, and this has been getting more common in the last month.

My wife and I are fortunate and have had both shots, and hopefully our 13 year old will be able to get the shots soon.

A lot of selfish folks out there.

Scary

[Kaleva]

14. People here are willing to accpet higher deaths in exchange for more openness.

Those who aren't are free to remain in isolation is their view.

[Mysterian]

16. Then "people here" are psycopathic

and should be under psychiatric care.

[Kaleva]

18. Maybe but they are in the majority it appears.

Pandemic fatigue has set in and even the elderly that I know who once isolated themselves completely are now once again going out and about and/or taking in visitors.

The numbers of deaths that were talked about happening didn't happen and ICU at any hospital in Upper Michigan ever came close to near capacity because of COVID19.

[Buckeye_Democrat]

15. So bad up there!

Michigan currently has 9 of the worst 10 metro areas for new infections... in the ENTIRE COUNTRY.

Link: https://covidactnow.org/?s=1749670


They're back to their worst levels of new infections.
Link: https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/usa/michigan/

[roamer65]

22. That cluster in Peoria, IL is going to spread to Chicago and St Louis.

Mark my words. If it hasn’t already.

[Buckeye_Democrat]

23. I think Peoria's outbreak was traced back to a bar...

... that reopened.

I hope the people in those cities remain cautious, or you'll surely be correct.

[roamer65]

26. The Michigan mess is going to creep across the borders.

I hear Toledo cases are surging as well. So will Northern Indiana.

[Buckeye_Democrat]

28. Yes, it's about the worst area in Ohio now.

I'm convinced it's been percolating there from nearby Michigan.

If and when it hits the rural dumb-f**ks here, it will probably spread like wildfire.

[roamer65]

29. Given the even higher level of Dumpists in rural OH, YES!

Sad, but true.

Monroe County, MI is high. A lot of them shop and do biz in the Toledo area, since it right next Lucas County, OH.

[Buckeye_Democrat]

30. It reminds me of the spread last year.

It mostly affected big cities with international airports initially, then more-rural folks kept the viral flames ablaze.

I'm at least relieved that my 2nd vaccine dose is scheduled in a few days. I'll still be more cautious and responsible than a lot of non-vaxxers.

[roamer65]

31. You read my mind.

I was hoping you are near full vaccination.

[Buckeye_Democrat]

32. I hope the same for you.

Thanks.

[roamer65]

33. Got the second Moderna on March 2.

I should be at full resistance now. I actually travel into the thumb area of MI frequently, so the Moderna vaccine works! I still mask and wash hands, etc, etc.

[Buckeye_Democrat]

35. Yes, I think max immunity generally happens...

... a couple weeks afterwards.

Moderna for me too. I'll gladly take their booster for the South African variant in a few months, after it gets approval as expected. It's in trials already.

At least all of the vaccines are extremely effective against the UK variant, and that's the one that mostly spreading in the USA now. The SA variant, not so much at this point.

[roamer65]

40. Moderna protects against the SA variant.

Just not to high level that Moderna prefers.

Like you, I will be line as soon as that booster is available.

[Buckeye_Democrat]

42. True.

Moderna claims it's pretty easy for them to modify the RNA in their vaccines for different strains. The testing and manufacturing are the slower aspects of it, of course.

I'm pretty optimistic in the long-term, really, but the needless spreading of this virus is infuriating to observe.

[roamer65]

43. Man...it makes my blood boil.

Especially when I am up in the hard hit thumb area of MI.

[Evolve Dammit]

41. And they knew it was coming in to NYC from Europe and didn't tell NY. Criminal in my mind. nt

[roamer65]

17. It's really hitting Dump loving areas hard in MI.

I find it very hard to have any sympathy for unmasked, lockdown violating, Dump loving morons. Even as a Michigander.

I do feel sorry for those who have been diligent in trying to control the virus and get hurt by the above mentioned degenerates.

[Buckeye_Democrat]

20. It's both them and hesitant African Americans.

Native Americans, as a group, have been vaccinating far faster than any other ethnicity. They've helped put red states like Alaska, South Dakota and North Dakota at or near the top of vaccination rates among different states.

From what I've read, it's mostly the white evangelicals who have expressed a "hard no" about vaccines. So that's the worst attitude, whereas African Americans have been hesitant as a group but mostly haven't ruled out doing it.

[LisaL]

44. Sounds like in MI, being hesitant will get you infected really fast.

Because the infection rate is high, un-vaccinated people are getting infected, regardless of being a "hard no" or just hesitant.

[roamer65]

45. Yes.

Absolutely true.

[Buckeye_Democrat]

46. True.

According to articles that I've read about it, Native Americans are supposedly more trusting because it's their various "tribal councils" who are encouraging and managing the administrations of their vaccinations. So maybe something similar should be considered for hesitant groups too? I have no suggestions in that regard, though.

By the way, I hope that your Moderna 2nd dose immunological side-effects are finished already!

[LisaL]

48. Yep, side effects all gone.

Only lasted for a day and a half.

[Buckeye_Democrat]

49. Good!

I assumed it would be very temporary, like for most people.

[pstokely]

56. how many places are voluntary shutting down for 2 weeks?

which ones? any national chains?

[JohnSJ]

57. This isn't about a lecture, the fact is that increasing the vaccine isn't going to help their

current situation, especially when Health officials in Michigan are reporting that vaccine appointments are going unfilled even as the state experiences the worst COVID-19 outbreak in the country.

https://www.bridgemi.com/michigan-health-watch/demand-vaccine-declines-parts-michigan-even-covid-surges

The fact that a good number of their population refuses to take appropriate preventive measures such as masking up and social distancing, is the real problem.

What the OP doesn't mention is that the Biden administration is providing additional resources to the state to combat the pandemic, and most important, making monoclonal antibody infusions available free of charge, which if given early enough will prevent severe illness, and hospitalizations.

Everyone knows this isn't the governors fault

[JohnSJ]

60. Government allocates vaccines to states weekly based on population

I NEVER said the Governor was an "idiot"

What I said was that the vaccine is not going to stop or deal with the current surge

What will deal with the current surge will be the use of medical therapeutics such as monoclonal antibodies, and other measures

If they eventually decide to allocate more vaccine to Michigan, which probably is the right decision, to get the most effective use of it would be people masking up and following the guidelines simultaneously

[LisaL]

62. I think the logic is, in order to give Michigan more vaccine right now,

this vaccine will have to be taken from what was supposed to have gone to other states.
So it's considered to be not fair to other states.
Whitmer was also asking for a lot more of J&J vaccine, and with production issues in the US, there is very little of J&J vaccine going to all the states.

[JohnSJ]

63. I agree. The whole situation is frustrating. That the Pfizer vaccine produced in Michigan makes

this even more aggravating

I hope they increase the allotment of vaccine to Michigan along with other mitigation resources, for Michigan of course, but also because adjacent states are also at risk because of this

The last fighter I heard was over 9000 cases in two days in Michigan, and multiple actions need to be done

Take care

[Deminpenn]

66. Walensky has made some unforced errors recently

First the "impending doom" comment coupled with getting overly emotional while testifying before Congress. Now this suggestion that completely ignores the political reality on the ground in Michigan as has been pointed out in previous posts.

CDC should absolutely send more vaccine to MI and if need be deploy FEMA/Natl Guard to distribute and administer it. Vaccines might not prevent a person from getting covid19, but they do reduce the chances of severe infection and hospitalization to near zero.

Frankly, if she keeps making these mistakes, don't see her tenure as head of CDC being very long.

[pstokely]

68. fear mongering might be necessarily to prevent complacency

we have be better safe than sorry

[Deminpenn]

69. Maybe in the short run, but not long term

Don't find fear-mongering to be especially productive either. "Just the facts" is a better approach, but ymmv.

[bluestarone]

67. The QTHUGLICONS in this state will NOT help this great Governor no matter what.

They want to destroy her! I would like to see her call in the National guard to help distribute the vaccine. (If this is possible without QUTHUGLICON interference. OR maybe FEMA could be called in to help? BUT i really feel she should get everything she's asking for!!