Despite surging infections, Michigan’s hospitals, on average, are not being overloaded by a record number of COVID-19 cases.
On Dec. 27, 2021, the state smashed the record for new daily COVID-19 cases, with 11,490 confirmed cases reported. The second-highest number of cases was recorded Nov. 29, 2021, with 8,069, according to the state government’s hospital data. An ongoing survey of Michigan hospitals found 3,839 COVID patients hospitalized on Dec. 27, with 860 in an intensive care unit. The bed occupancy rate across all hospitals averaged 78% for all patients.
To put that in context, Michigan had more COVID patients hospitalized in late November 2021, with far fewer confirmed cases.
On Nov. 23, 2020, the state had 7,391 confirmed COVID cases and 4,022 people were hospitalized, with 869 in an ICU. Hospital bed occupancy was at 75% on that date. A week later, on Nov. 30, 2020, there were 6,706 confirmed cases, with 4,275 hospitalized and 848 in an ICU. The bed occupancy rate at Michigan hospitals that day was 74%.
Michigan Capitol Confidential is the news source produced by the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. Michigan Capitol Confidential reports with a free-market news perspective.