The number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Michigan has risen to 158,026 as of Saturday, including 7,182 deaths, state officials report.
Saturday’s update represents 3,338 new cases and 35 additional deaths. On Friday, the state reported a total of 154,688 cases and 7,147 deaths.
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The state reported 5,400 recoveries Saturday, bringing the total recovered to 114,939.
MDHHS said 96% of the test results being reported Saturday originated from specimens that were collected from individuals in the past five days.
“The data shows we are continuing to see alarming increases in the incidence of COVID-19 infections in Michigan. It is now more important than ever that people take this seriously," said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health. "Wear a mask every time you are going to be around someone outside of your own household. Avoid large gatherings and maintain a safe distance from others. If rates continue like this, we risk overwhelming our hospitals and having many more Michiganders die.”
We are seeing an alarming rise in COVID-19 cases in Michigan right now. It is vital that we wear masks, avoid large gatherings, and practice physical distancing. Your fellow Michiganders and our frontline health care workers are counting on each one of us to do the right thing.
— Governor Gretchen Whitmer (@GovWhitmer) October 24, 2020
New COVID-19 cases and deaths have increased in the last month in Michigan. Testing has remained steady, with an average of more than 35,000 per day, with the positive rate around 4.5% in the last week.
Hospitalizations have increased steadily for the last four weeks, including a slight uptick in critical care and ventilator use.
Michigan’s 7-day moving average for daily cases was 1,682 on Thursday, near the highest it has ever been. The state’s fatality rate is 4.7%. The state also reports “active cases,” which were listed at 36,200 on Thursday.
According to Johns Hopkins University, more than 3.3 million have recovered in the U.S., with more than 8.4 million cases reported across the country. More than 224,005 have died in the U.S.
Worldwide, about 42.3 million people have been confirmed infected and more than 1.1 million 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.
New daily Michigan COVID-19 totals since Sept. 10
- Sept. 10 -- 924 new cases
- Sept. 11 -- 1,313 new cases
- Sept. 12 -- 692 new cases
- Sept. 14 -- 1,088 new cases (case count for two days)
- Sept. 15 -- 571 new cases
- Sept. 16 -- 680 new cases
- Sept. 17 -- 829 new cases
- Sept. 18 -- 695 new cases
- Sept. 19 -- 483 new cases
- Sept. 21 -- 1,536 new cases (case count for two days)
- Sept. 22 -- 504 new cases
- Sept. 23 -- 705 new cases
- Sept. 24 -- 982 new cases
- Sept. 25 -- 929 new cases
- Sept. 26 -- 901 new cases
- Sept. 28 -- 1,308 new cases (case count for two days)
- Sept. 29 -- 898 new cases
- Sept. 30 -- 1,054 new cases
- Oct. 1 -- 891 new cases
- Oct. 2 -- 780 new cases
- Oct. 3 -- 1,158 new cases
- Oct. 5 -- 1,407 new cases (case count for two days)
- Oct. 6 -- 903 new cases
- Oct. 7 -- 1,016 new cases
- Oct. 8 -- 1,197 new cases
- Oct. 9 -- 1,095 new cases
- Oct. 10 -- 1,522 new cases
- Oct. 12 -- 1,809 new cases (case count for two days)
- Oct. 13 -- 1,237 new cases
- Oct. 14 -- 1,359 new cases
- Oct. 15 -- 2,030 new cases (case count inflated due to system slowdown)
- Oct. 16 -- 2,015 new cases
- Oct. 17 -- 1,791 new cases
- Oct. 19 -- 2,909 new cases (case count for two days)
- Oct. 20 -- 1,586 new cases
- Oct. 21 -- 1,597 new cases
- Oct. 22 -- 1,873 new cases
- Oct. 23 -- 1,826 new cases
- Oct. 24 -- 3,338 new cases
Latest COVID-19 data in Michigan:
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 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.
- Wear a mask or face covering when in public.
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.
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