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State reaches vaccination benchmark, clearing way for return to offices as early as end of May

a person holds a vaccine vial
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Michigan has reached a COVID-19 vaccination benchmark that will soon let people go back to work in the office in person.

55% of the state's eligible population has gotten at least one shot.

The benchmark achieved this week clears the way for a Michigan Occupational Health and Safety Administration order allowing a return to office work.

MIOSHA could give the go ahead to start by the final week of May.

“Every day, we’re getting closer to putting this pandemic behind us. The way to get there is to vaccinate as many Michiganders who are eligible as quickly as possible,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

Whitmer acknowledges hitting the next benchmark of 60% will be more difficult as the state grapples with vaccine suspicion and hesitancy.

She’s asking primary care doctors to sign up to deliver vaccines to help reassure their patients.

“Vaccines are our best chance of putting this pandemic behind us and returning to normal. They represent hope and healing, and if you want to learn more, I encourage you to talk to your family doctor,” she said.

Whitmer said the next step is to get children 12-to-15-years old vaccinated.

Rick Pluta is Senior Capitol Correspondent for the Michigan Public Radio Network. He has been covering Michigan’s Capitol, government, and politics since 1987.
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