Michigan reports 40,692 cases of COVID-19 (daily average of 20,346), 259 deaths since Wednesday

DETROIT (FOX 2) - On Friday, Jan. 7, 2022, Michigan reported 40,692 cases of COVID-19 and 259 deaths since Wednesday, 136 of which were from vital records review. That's an average of 13,673 cases per day.

This brings the total to 1,636,611 cases and 27,822 deaths.

Cases are updated Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

State health officials are urging people to get vaccinated and to wear masks in public settings to limit the spread of the coronavirus amid the fourth surge. The federal government has deployed military medical staffers to help Michigan hospitals cope.

Where to get a COVID-19 vaccine near you

There are currently three different vaccines that have been approved by the FDA: Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson. The three vaccines do not guarantee you won't be sick but all three have high efficacy rates in preventing serious illness and decrease the chances of hospitalization if you do get ill with COVID-19.

Simply putting your name on the county list is one way to get a vaccine, eventually, but there are ways you can be proactive to find a vaccine faster.

Contact tracing

Michigan officials are also urging people to download the MI COVID Alert app to help notify of possible exposure and with contact tracing. 

Authorities are still urging everyone to answer their phones if you get a call from the health department. Text messages are also now being sent in advance of the incoming call. 

Meanwhile, everyone is also still reminded to keep doing the basics to stay healthy - wear a mask, wash your hands and keep your distance from other people.