West Michigan Now Considered 'High Risk' for COVID-19

As the state continues to remain mostly open, West Michigan and the Lansing area have been bumped up to be considered "high risk" areas for the spread of COVID-19.

The news comes Wednesday, as the state reported 610 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 throughout the state. That's the highest number of new cases reported since May 29.

The Grand Rapids region was bumped up to the high risk level after three straight weeks of increased cases in the area.

According to the state's coronavirus website, the risk level in West Michigan means that there is "persistent spread" of COVID-19 in the region.

This is the second highest risk level that exists within the state. As of last week, the Grand Rapids region was at "medium high", which meant that the number of new cases was "flattening".

The Grand Rapids region consists of Kent, Ottawa, Ionia, Muskegon, Newaygo, Montcalm, Mecosta, Isabella, Oceana, Lake, Mason, Osceola and Clare counties.

With the numbers reported on Wednesday afternoon, the state of Michigan has had 67,237 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19, 6,015 deaths, and 52,841 recoveries. In Kent County alone, there have been 4,991 confirmed positive cases and 134 deaths.

Michigan has the twelfth highest number of cases in the nation, but the seventh highest number of deaths.

On Tuesday, Governor Whitmer said in an interview with CNN that she will "dial back" reopening in the state if cases of COVID-19 continue to increase. Last week, the governor announced that bars and restaurants that bring in less than 70% of their sales from alcohol would no longer be allowed to provide indoor dining.