A new study shows Michigan is currently the 7th most unsafe state in the U.S. during the pandemic.  Here's why.

Yesterday, Wallethub released a new study ranking each state and Washington DC by how safe they are currently during the pandemic using the following metrics,

Our data set includes the rates of COVID-19 transmission, positive testing, hospitalizations and death, as well as the share of the eligible population getting vaccinated.

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Michigan as reported over 6,000 new daily Covid-19 case two days in a row.  In fact, over the last 24 hours Michigan has 7,180 new cases compared to Ohio with 2,475 and Indiana with 1,216.  Michigan had the 2nd highest spike in Covid cases in the United States each day this week.  The Mitten State also has the highest transmission rate and the 4th highest hospitalization rate in the nation.  A far cry from our dramatic downward trend at the beginning of 2021.

The map below from wallethub.com shows that our neighbors are far safer than we are.  Using the five factors mentioned at the beginning of this article, total score: 100 = safest / 0 least safe.

Illinois - Total Score: 57.31 Ranking: #22 safest
Indiana - Total Score: 52.11 Ranking: #32 safest
Ohio - Total Score: 48.97 Ranking: #37 safest
Michigan - Total Score: 41.40 Ranking: #45 safest

Source: WalletHub

The reasons for the spike?  Multiple factors are likely at play here.  The biggest one is that the new variant of the virus that's spreading in Michigan seems to be more contagious than previous variants.  That in combination with the state loosening regulations and "pandemic fatigue," it's not a surprise that we are seeing the pendulum swing.

As of April 1st, 2021 17.4% of all Michigan residents are fully vaccinated.  29.2% have received at least one shot.

LOOK: Answers to 30 common COVID-19 vaccine questions

While much is still unknown about the coronavirus and the future, what is known is that the currently available vaccines have gone through all three trial phases and are safe and effective. It will be necessary for as many Americans as possible to be vaccinated in order to finally return to some level of pre-pandemic normalcy, and hopefully these 30 answers provided here will help readers get vaccinated as soon they are able.

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