The number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Michigan has risen to 12,744 as of Friday, including 479 deaths, state officials report.
Friday’s total represents an increase of 1,953 cases and 62 deaths. It’s the largest number of new cases in any single day, but the number of deaths dropped after 75, 78 and 80 new deaths were reported the last three days. Thursday’s total was 10,791 confirmed cases and 417 deaths.
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Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer repeated Thursday that cases and deaths are expected to continue rising in the coming weeks, but urged Michigan residents to continue to stay home and practice mitigation.
“We’re a good month out from the apex right now," Whitmer said during her Thursday briefing. "Each of us responds differently to this disease and that's why we all must act as if we're carrying it and stay home."
Global infections now total nearly 1.1 million, and more than 56,000 people have died. More than 223,000 have recovered from the virus.
Currently, the state has not reported any recoveries, but those totals could be reported at the county level. Washtenaw County has reported 17 recoveries.
Cases by county
The city of Detroit has 3,550 confirmed cases, which is more than any county in the state, officials said. There are an additional 2,546 cases in Wayne County outside of Detroit, giving the county a total of 6,096 confirmed cases, according to the state count.
Oakland County has 2,540 confirmed cases, the second-most in Michigan. Macomb County has the third-most cases, with 1,560. Washtenaw County (477), Genesee County, (422), Ingham County, (152), Kent County, (136) and Livingston County (121) all have more than 100 confirmed cases.
There are 187 cases listed as “other” in the county-by-county breakdown.
Deaths by county
The state reports 117 of the 479 confirmed statewide deaths were in the city of Detroit, with an additional 106 deaths elsewhere in Wayne County.
There have been 136 COVID-19 deaths in Oakland County and 65 such deaths in Macomb County. Genesee County has 11 confirmed deaths and Washtenaw County has eight.
Jackson County has reported three deaths. Eaton, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Hillsdale, Isabella, Kent, Livingston, Muskegon and Tuscola counties have reported two.
Berrien, Calhoun, Cass, Clinton, Dickinson, Gogebic, Ingham, Kalamazoo, Kalkaska, Mecosta, Missaukee, Sanilac and Van Buren counties have each reported one COVID-19 death. One out-of-state death is also reported. One death is listed as “other.”
Test data
According to officials, a total of 37,992 people have been tested across the state -- 27,843 at hospitals, 6,150 by public health officials and 3,999 commercially.
Of those tests, 28,099 came back negative, while 9,779 were listed as positive, officials said.
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State officials said some people might have had tests taken more than once or had one taken outside of a state lab.
Officials also said there were some inconclusive tests included in the results.
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The numbers often do not reflect an individual county’s case count because the counties may report confirmed cases a day earlier than the state. The state is reporting positive tests as of 10 a.m. on the same day.
The jump in new daily cases is likely due to an increase in testing and a backlog of results now being reported.
Increase in cases doesn’t discredit social distancing
It is important to note that while the number of cases is going up, it does not mean social distancing is not working. People who are testing positive now could have been exposed to the virus several weeks ago, and many people don’t show symptoms for several days.
It will take weeks to see the results of the stay-at-home order and other social distancing measures that have been put in place. Additionally, the state is still reporting results from a backlog of tests.
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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.
Having trouble viewing the data below? Click here to view.
Here is a charted timeline of confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Michigan:
- Full coverage: Coronavirus 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):
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.
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People who think they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider immediately.
Question about coronavirus? Ask Dr. McGeorge here.