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Michigan coronavirus cases up to 171,220; Death toll now at 7,298

Nearly 115,000 recoveries from COVID-19 confirmed

Coronavirus testing (AP)

The number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Michigan has risen to 171,220 as of Thursday, including 7,298 deaths, state officials report.

Thursday’s update represents 3,675 new cases and 41 additional deaths, including 22 from a Vital Records review. On Wednesday, the state reported 167,545 total cases and 7,257 deaths.

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The update represents the highest single-day case total for Michigan since the start of the pandemic. Officials said statewide network connectivity issues delayed the data pull past the 10 a.m. cutoff, which resulted in some cases that would have normally been counted in Friday’s totals being included Thursday.

New COVID-19 cases and deaths continue to rise in Michigan. Testing has increased in recent weeks, with more than 40,000 diagnostic tests reported per day, but the positive rate has increased to around 5%. Hospitalizations have increased steadily for the last four weeks, including upticks in critical care and ventilator use.

RELATED: 4 differences between first Michigan COVID spike and now

Michigan’s 7-day moving average for daily cases was 2,356 on Wednesday, the highest it has ever been. The state’s fatality rate is 4.3%. The state also reports “active cases,” which were listed at 45,200 as of Wednesday, its highest mark on record. More than 114,000 have recovered in Michigan.

According to Johns Hopkins University, more than 3.5 million have recovered in the U.S., with more than 8.8 million cases reported across the country. More than 227,900 have died in the U.S.

Worldwide, more than 44.6 million people have been confirmed infected and more than 1.17 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
  • Oct. 26 -- 3,881 new cases (case count for two days)
  • Oct. 27 -- 2,367 new cases
  • Oct. 28 -- 3,271 new cases
  • Oct. 29 -- 3,675 new cases (case count inflated due to network connectivity issues)

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:

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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About the Authors
Derick Hutchinson headshot

Derick is the Lead Digital Editor for ClickOnDetroit and has been with Local 4 News since April 2013. Derick specializes in breaking news, crime and local sports.

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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