Coronavirus Vaccine Updates: Michigan cases on rise; more than 35 hospitals at 95% capacity

COVID-19 Live Updates, News and Information

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Sunday, April 18, 2021

Cases on rise in Michigan; more than 35 hospitals at 95% capacity

Things are so bad, production slowed down at a Detroit-area ram truck assembly plant because so many workers called out sick.

NEW YORK (WABC) -- Coronavirus cases continue to rise in nearly half of the country.

In the upper Midwest alone, the number of people hospitalized is up 14% in the last week.

Things are so bad, production slowed down at a Detroit-area ram truck assembly plant because so many workers called out sick.

At least 35 hospitals in Michigan are at 95% capacity.

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Here are more of today's headlines:

Half of U.S. adults have now received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose, CDC says

Half of all adults in the U.S. have received at least one COVID-19 shot, the government announced Sunday, marking another milestone in the nation's largest-ever vaccination campaign but leaving more work to do to convince skeptical Americans to roll up their sleeves.

Almost 130 million people 18 or older have received at least one dose of a vaccine, or 50.4% of the total adult population, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported. Almost 84 million adults, or about 32.5% of the population, have been fully vaccinated.

Vaccinated CCSU students will receive $50 toward housing next fall

U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal visited a vaccination clinic where CCSU students who are being vaccinated will receive a $50 credit.

The clinic at CCSU will be held from 9 am to 3:30 pm, students must register ahead of time. Students will receive $50 off their housing bill so that they and other students are safer in their dorms.

NY positivity rate drops to lowest level in months

Governor Andrew Cuomo announced Sunday that the COVID-19 positivity rate in New York dropped to 2.35 percent, the lowest since November 7.

"New York is making tremendous progress in our goal to vaccinate every New Yorker while keeping the infection and hospitalization rates down, but variants of the virus remain a concern across the state," Cuomo said. "It's going to take everyone working together, as individuals and in communities, to protect each other and defeat this virus once and for all. Until we get to that point, we must stay vigilant and continue with the behaviors we know slow the spread - washing your hands, staying socially distanced and wearing a mask."

Fauci says he expects US to resume using Johnson & Johnson COVID vaccine by Friday

The United States will likely move to resume Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine this coming week, possibly with restrictions or broader warnings after reports of some very rare blood clot cases, the government's top infectious diseases expert said Sunday.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, in a series of news show interviews, said he expects a decision when advisers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention meet Friday to discuss the pause in J&J's single-dose vaccine.

Ontario retracts COVID rules that banned playgrounds, allowed pedestrian stops after public backlash

Ontario's premier retracted restrictions Saturday that banned playgrounds and allowed police to require anyone not at home to explain why they're out after a backlash from police forces, health officials and the public. The pandemic restrictions imposed by Canada's most populous province immediately ran into opposition as police departments insisted they wouldn't use new powers to randomly stop pedestrians or motorists and health experts complained the rules focus on outdoor activities rather than more dangerous indoor settings.

Japanese leader asks Pfizer for additional vaccine supply

Japan's prime minister has asked U.S. drug maker Pfizer for additional supplies of the COVID-19 vaccine. Yoshihide Suga is looking to speed up his country's inoculation drive, which lags behind many other countries.

After holding talks with President Joe Biden at the White House, Suga wrapped up his Washington visit on Saturday with a phone call to Pfizer's CEO. A Japanese Cabinet minister tasked with vaccinations said Sunday that the two sides have practically reached an agreement over the vaccines. Suga asked for additional supplies that would cover all eligible recipients by September. So far, less than 1% of Japan's population have gotten the vaccine.

Vaccine eligibility to expand in NJ

New Jersey residents ages 16 and older will be eligible for the COVID vaccine starting Monday. 16 and 17-year-olds will need a parent or guardian to pre-register on their behalf. Anyone pre-registering is encouraged to provide an e-mail address to allow for a faster registration process. On Thursday, Governor Phil Murphy stated the current pause on the Johnson & Johnson vaccine will not impact expanding eligibility.

How many people in your area are hesitant to get the COVID-19 vaccine?

Most states have opened up COVID-19 vaccination to everyone 16 and older, but not everyone is lining up to get the shot. With the recent temporary pause on the distribution of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, doctors worry about an increase in vaccine hesitancy that may not be warranted. Using data from the U.S. Census Bureau's Household Pulse Survey, the CDC found that as many as a third of adults in some areas reported being hesitant about getting the COVID-19 vaccine. These rates are highest in the states of Wyoming and North Dakota, and lowest in Massachusetts, Vermont and California.

When did you realize the COVID pandemic changed everything?

Many of us had a moment, most often occurring in March 2020, when we realized that COVID-19 had completely changed our lives forever. Even though we've managed to move forward and adapt to a new normal, that memory still sticks with us. Tell us: What was that moment to you?

Top 7 COVID vaccine questions answered

You had questions about COVID-19 vaccines and 7 On Your Side is getting you answers from doctors on the front line of the pandemic.