Gov. Whitmer: State will expand COVID-19 treatment to cut hospitalizations, deaths

By DAVID EGGERT Associated Press

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan will expand the use of a COVID-19 treatment in hopes of substantially reducing climbing hospitalizations and deaths.

Additional doses of monoclonal antibodies will be given to hospitals and other providers, which will be asked to add infusion sites.

The treatment has concentrated doses of lab-made antibodies to fight coronavirus infections and is geared toward people who are at high risk for severe symptoms or hospitalization.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said Wednesday the treatment could save lives.

Preliminary data suggests 6,600 residents have been treated with the antibodies, with 65% reporting feeling better within two days and under 5% requiring hospitalization.