The number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Michigan has risen to 49,582 as of Thursday, including 4,787 deaths, state officials report.
Thursday’s update represents an increase of 1,191 cases and 73 deaths, including 35 as a result of the state’s ongoing review of “vital records” and testing data. Wednesday’s total was 48,391 confirmed cases and 4,714 deaths.
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Several factors are contributing to Thursday’s increase, including backlogged results being reported electronically into the Michigan Disease Surveillance System (MDSS) and increased testing at correctional facilities across the state.
The report of 1,191 cases includes cases from commercial labs Garcia, a lab with significant presence in Michigan’s correctional facilities and corporate environment, Orchard Technology and P4. Results from these labs were being entered manually, which led to a backlog, and are now being reported electronically into MDSS.
This backlog in reporting did not result in delays of notification to individuals with positive results as those results were transmitted separately to health care providers who are responsible for notifying individuals about their test results.
State officials say the rate of growth is continuing to slow, while testing rates continue to rise. Hospitalizations for COVID-19 continue to decline in Southeast Michigan.
Testing hit another new one-day record on May 7 with 13,882 tests and only 7.9% positive. The positive rate continues to drop. The positive rate was near 40% in early April, it's now below 19% overall. Daily testing has been below 7% positive for three out of the last four days.
On Monday, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said the state is aiming to test 450,000 in the month of May.
Last week, Whitmer extended the state’s stay-home order through May 28, and announced a 6 phase plan to reopen the state. Manufacturers were able to reopen on Monday.
Michigan has reported 22.686 COVID-19 recoveries. The state also reports "active cases," which were listed at 21,000 as of Wednesday.
According to Johns Hopkins University, more than 243,000 have recovered in the U.S., with more than 1.3 million cases reported across the country. More than 84,000 have died in the U.S.
Worldwide, more than 4.3 million people have been confirmed infected and over 299,000 have died, according to Johns Hopkins University. The true numbers are certainly much higher, because of limited testing, different ways nations count the dead and deliberate under-reporting by some governments.
MORE: Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer extends stay-at-home order until May 28
For most people, the 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.
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.