Michigan coronavirus (COVID-19) cases up to 67,683, Death toll now at 6,024

The number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Michigan has risen to 67,683 as of Thursday, including 6,024 deaths, state officials report.

Thursday’s update represents 446 new confirmed cases and nine additional deaths. Wednesday’s total was 67,237 confirmed cases and 6,015 deaths.

New cases have increased slightly in the last week, while deaths remain flat in Michigan. Testing has increased slightly in the last week, with an average of more than 17,000 per day. After an uptick in recent weeks, hospitalizations declined last week and have remained mostly flat.

Michigan has reported 52,841 COVID-19 recoveries. The state also reports "active cases," which were listed at 8,400 as of Tuesday. The 7-day average last week jumped from 290 to 373 (it was 177 two weeks ago), so cases are rising.

RELATED: Michigan’s top medical official explains true severity of state’s recent COVID-19 spike

According to Johns Hopkins University, more than 953,000 have recovered in the U.S., with more than 3 million cases reported across the country. More than 132,000 have died in the U.S.

Worldwide, more than 12.1 million people have been confirmed infected and over 550,000 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.

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New Michigan COVID-19 cases per day since June 15:

• June 15 -- 74 new cases
• June 16 -- 125 new cases
• June 17 -- 204 new cases
• June 18 -- 225 new cases
• June 19 -- 211 new cases
• June 20 -- 255 new cases
• June 21 -- 146 new cases
• June 22 -- 179 new cases
• June 23 -- 221 new cases
• June 24 -- 323 new cases
• June 25 -- 353 new cases
• June 26 -- 389 new cases
• June 27 -- 314 new cases
• June 28 -- 252 new cases
• June 29 -- 236 new cases
• June 30 -- 373 new cases
• July 1 -- 252 new cases
• July 2 -- 543 new cases
• July 3 -- 460 new cases
• July 4-- 398 new cases
• July 5 -- 343 new cases
• July 6 -- 295 new cases
• July 7 -- 454 new cases
• July 8 -- 610 new cases

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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:

• Here’s which Michigan counties have confirmed cases of coronavirus
• 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.

Read more about coronavirus here.