Vaccine supply surging as waitlists dwindle

The Western Upper Peninsula Health Department says it is seeing gaps for the first time in vaccine appointments reserved solely for those 65 and older. That suggests supply has finally caught up to demand and the organization can get more aggressive in expanding who gets the shots.

There are plans underway for large-scale community events when the time is right and the logistical hurdles can be met. Until then, the expansion will be more targeted fueled by the arrival of 700 doses of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine. It has several perks compared to its peers, it’s easier to store and requires one dose rather than two. The WUPHD intends to use the initial J&J batch to tend to homebound residents, those without reliable transportation to get to a clinic.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer cited the improving vaccine situation as a major factor in loosening COVID-19 restrictions. Considering several other states are rushing to reopen completely and scrapping mask mandates, politics most likely played a sizable role in the decision as well. The announcement also comes at a good time for the administration to divert attention away from investigations into its policy pushing COVID positive patients into nursing homes to clear hospitals for a surge that was never as bad as projected last spring. Questions are swirling around the abrupt departure of Robert Gordon from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services in January. The Detroit News reported yesterday that he received over $150,000 as a severance package in exchange for a confidentiality agreement regarding his departure.

Nursing home visitations are allowed as of now. Beginning Friday, restaurants and bars are able to operate at 50 percent capacity and the curfew is pushed to 11:00 PM. Banquet halls and indoor recreation facilities are also seeing capacity increases.