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Michigan ‘still in early stages’ of coronavirus spread, likely ‘several weeks’ from peak

More than 130 deaths reported due to COVID-19

Coronavirus cases as of March 29, 2020. (WDIV)

DETROIT – Michigan health officials said on Monday that the state is still in the “early stages" of coronavirus spread, and likely several weeks from peaking.

Dr. Joneigh S. Khaldun, the state’s chief medical officer, said the state’s models show we’re “likely several weeks” from seeing a peak in cases. Khaldun also noted that any dates or predictions floating around about a peak date are incorrect.

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Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer also detailed the state’s spending on medical supplies, reporting $80 million spent on buying 20 million masks, 2,000 ventilators, nine million ounces of hand sanitizer, 2,000 beds and other medical supplies. Whitmer also thanked the federal government for approving the state’s major disaster declaration.

Gov. Whitmer said cases are expected to continue rising, but urged Michigan residents to continue to stay home and practice mitigation.

“We will not see the benefit of these aggressive efforts for a little while,” Whitmer said.

Dr. Khaldun also urged residents to prohibit from gathering with family or friends, adding “this isn’t the time” for kids to be out playing with neighbors, or playing with other people at a park.

Gov. Whitmer also announced Monday that the state is dedicating an additional $150 million to the coronavirus (COVID-19) response efforts.

The state is also in need of volunteers and nurses. Find more info here.

As of Sunday, the state has reported more than 5,500 COVID-19 cases, with the majority of cases reported in Wayne and Oakland counties. The state has also reported 132 deaths, as of Sunday.

Related: Michigan expands unemployment to include self-employed, gig workers; increases weekly benefits

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.

Global infections now total more than 720,000. And more than 34,000 people have died around the world. More than 150,000 have recovered from the virus. Currently, the state has not reported any recoveries, but they could be reported at the county level. Washtenaw County has reported 15 recoveries.

Having trouble viewing the data below? Click here to view.

Here is a charted timeline of confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Michigan:

Here’s the Michigan county case count mapped and the total number of cases in each US state:

Here are Michigan’s COVID-19 deaths mapped per county:

Here are Michigan COVID-19 cases broken down by age range (view here if you’re not seeing the table):

Here are Michigan COVID-19 cases broken down by gender (view here if you’re not seeing the table):

The following map is showing data per state -- click on a particular state to filter the data in the table for a breakdown:

How COVID-19 Spreads

Person-to-person spread

The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.

  • Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
  • Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

Can someone spread the virus without being sick?

  • People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest).
  • Some spread might be possible before people show symptoms; there have been reports of this occurring with this new coronavirus, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

Spread from contact with contaminated surfaces or objects

It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

How easily the virus spreads

How easily a virus spreads from person-to-person can vary. Some viruses are highly contagious (spread easily), like measles, while other viruses do not spread as easily. Another factor is whether the spread is sustained, spreading continually without stopping.

Prevention & Treatment

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

MORE: Beaumont Health launches coronavirus hotline for patients with symptoms

People who think they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider immediately.

Question about coronavirus? Ask Dr. McGeorge here.

Read more about coronavirus here.

Anyone who believes they might have coronavirus should follow the CDC guidelines. Michigan.gov has a list of resources available to those concerned about COVID-19.

More information on coronavirus (COVID-19):


About the Author
Ken Haddad headshot

Ken Haddad has proudly been with WDIV/ClickOnDetroit since 2013. He also authors the Morning Report Newsletter and various other newsletters, and helps lead the WDIV Insider team. He's a big sports fan and is constantly sipping Lions Kool-Aid.

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