Michigan vaccinations rise again; masks in school urged

LANSING, Mich. (AP) – Michigan’s weekly number of people getting an initial COVID-19 shot has risen for the third straight week after having consistently dropped for two months. The increase coincided with the spread of the delta variant – the most contagious coronavirus mutant yet – and a $5 million state sweepstakes designed to incentivize vaccinations.

There were about 41,000 first-dose immunizations last week, the most since the week of June 13-19. The state health department on Wednesday advised schools to require masks but stopped short of mandating it.

The guidance aligns with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.