Michigan health officials said there is a stark difference between the spring COVID-19 spike and the ongoing one.
In the last four weeks, various hospital officials said they have seen percent positivity rates almost triple.
However, in the spring, officials said the COVID-19 outbreak was a situation that was really focused in the metro Detroit area. Now, these spikes are prevalent throughout the state.
Munson Healthcare President and CEO Ed Ness said rural areas are seeing the same spikes that are in urban areas.
"Because it was isolated before, rural communities felt they were protected," Ness said. "Recent data has shown it doesn't matter where you live, we are facing the same situation."
Ness warned that residents in rural areas in Michigan have to be diligent in wearing masks and limiting social gatherings.
Smaller hospitals are generally the only hospitals in that community, Ness said. Residents must be cognizant to protect hospital staff and the community.
