(WXYZ) — Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer provided another update on COVID-19 in Michigan Wednesday afternoon.
Whitmer was be joined by MDHHS Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun for the press conference. It comes after her first press conference in weeks last week, where she didn't announce any restrictions but did encourage people to take a two-week break from indoor dining, youth sports and in-person learning.
Related: 'It's a variant & compliance problem.' Here's why Whitmer says COVID-19 cases are rising in Michigan
On Wednesday, Whitmer talked about new monoclonal antibody treatments like Remdesivir that are now being used to treat COVID-19 positive patients in Michigan.
Related: Michigan's COVID-19 case rate, hospitalizations surpass fall surge
Monoclonal antibodies (mAb) are laboratory-produced molecules that can restore, enhance or mimic the immune system's attack on cells. The therapy is administered through an intravenous infusion and is designed for people who have tested positive for COVID-19 and have mild to moderate symptoms.
The state continues to see a surge coronavirus cases and is among the worst in the nation when it comes to cases per capita. According to state health officials, our case rate and hospitalizations are now higher than they were in the fall, when a surge partially shut down the state.
Whitmer didn't announce any new restrictions and said the surge is not due to a policy problem, it's a variant and compliance problem.
Related: Michigan expands monoclonal antibody therapy treatment for COVID-19
Khaldun also talked about the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which has been halted in the state after the identification of six reported cases of a rare and severe blood clot in the U.S. While the cases are very rare, less than 1 in a million, Khaldun did urge anyone who got the J&J vaccine in the last few weeks to watch for signs of a blood clot and call your doctor.
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