Confirmed COVID-19 Cases Increase For Sixth Week In Row; Shirkey Points To Israel

Michigan averaged 2,098 COVID-19 cases per day Thursday and Friday, according to statistics from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

Friday marked the sixth straight increase in weekly case totals. The state added 4,197 confirmed cases and 37 deaths in the two-day period, bringing the state’s total number of confirmed cases to 929,574 and deaths to 20,113 since the virus was first detected in 2020, DHHS reported.

Thirteen of the 37 deaths reported were identified during a vital records review.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who lifted the remaining COVID-19 restrictions in June, more recently has championed vaccinations in the fight against the coronavirus, unveiling a $5 million initiative offering college scholarships and cash prizes to Michigan residents who received their COVID-19 vaccine.

Nearly 65% of the state’s residents age 16 and older received at least one dose of the vaccine and about 55% of residents age 12 years and older are fully vaccinated.

Shirkey: ‘Naturally Vaccinated’ Treated As Vaccinated In Israel

In related news, the country of Israel is requiring a “Green Pass” for residents to enter public facilities as a way to control COVID-19 spread. This passport of sorts is eligible for anyone who has been vaccinated, has recovered from COVID-19 or has a negative COVID test previously.

Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey (R-Clarklake) is not supporting anything that sniffs of a vaccine passport, but he did highlight the fact that “naturally immune” individuals are being treated the same as those who were vaccinated, a large point of emphasis for him.

“No one can question the diligence and discipline of the Israelis,” Shirkey said. “Let the deniers and naysayers sound their disdain and continue to support discriminating against those who have recovered and have robust natural immunity.”

The use of the word “discriminate” was used to describe treatment toward the unvaccinated in a House committee earlier this week, which rubbed Sen. Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield) the wrong way.

The LGBTQ community can’t get an expansion to the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to protect them from discrimination, while folks who are making a conscious decision are using the same word?

“Are you f***ing kidding me?” Moss quipped.