The number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Michigan has risen to 488,144 as of Wednesday, including 12,333 deaths, state officials report.
Wednesday’s update includes 4,222 new cases and 51 additional deaths. This will be the last data update until Jan. 2, 2021.
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New COVID-19 cases are slowing but deaths remain high in Michigan. Testing has slowed during the holiday, with more than 35,000 diagnostic tests reported per day, with the positive rate decreasing to near 8% over the last week. Hospitalizations have slowly decreased but remain relatively high, including in critical care and ventilator use.
Michigan’s 7-day moving average for daily cases was 2,491 on Tuesday, the lowest in several weeks. The 7-day death average was 94. The state’s fatality rate is 2.5%. The state also reports “active cases,” which were listed at 153,300 on Tuesday. More than 318,000 have recovered in Michigan.
According to Johns Hopkins University, more than 6.5 million have recovered in the U.S., with more than 19.5 million cases reported across the country. More than 338,800 have died in the U.S.
Worldwide, more than 82 million people have been confirmed infected and more than 1.79 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 Dec. 1
- Dec. 1 -- 5,793 new cases
- Dec. 2 -- 6,955 new cases
- Dec. 3 -- 7,146 new cases
- Dec. 4 -- 8,689 new cases
- Dec. 5 -- 6,004 new cases
- Dec. 7 -- 9,350 new cases (case count for two days)
- Dec. 8 -- 5,909 new cases
- Dec. 9 -- 4,905 new cases
- Dec. 10 -- 5,937 new cases
- Dec. 11 -- 5,157 new cases
- Dec. 12 -- 4,486 new cases
- Dec. 14 -- 7,205 new cases (case count for two days)
- Dec. 15 -- 4,730 new cases
- Dec. 16 -- 4,037 new cases
- Dec. 17 -- 4,024 new cases
- Dec. 18 -- 4,180 new cases
- Dec. 19 -- 3,896 new cases
- Dec. 21 -- 4,551 new cases (case count for two days)
- Dec. 22 -- 3,082 new cases
- Dec. 23 -- 3,443 new cases
- Dec. 26 -- 7,341 new cases (case count for three days)
- Dec. 28 -- 3,239 new cases (case count for two days)
- Dec. 29 -- 3,414 new cases
- Dec. 30 -- 4,222 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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