DETROIT – The number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Michigan has risen to 601,284 as of Wednesday, including 15,707 deaths, state officials report.
Wednesday’s update includes a total of 2,316 new cases and 8 additional deaths. On Tuesday, the state reported 598,968 confirmed cases, including 15,699 deaths.
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Testing has slowed in the last week, dropping to about 35,000 diagnostic tests reported per day on average, with the 7-day positive rate above 4.5% as of Wednesday. Hospitalizations have plateaued over the last two weeks.
Michigan’s 7-day moving average for daily cases was 1,362 on Wednesday -- the highest it’s been over the last month. The 7-day death average was 19 on Wednesday. The state’s fatality rate is 2.6%. The state also reports “active cases,” which were listed at 35,700 on Wednesday -- near the lowest it’s been since October. More than 549,000 have recovered in Michigan.
Today: 7 takeaways from Whitmer’s COVID update: Metrics starting to turn, variants spreading
Michigan has reported more than 2.6 million doses of the COVID-19 administered, as of Tuesday, with 21.2% coverage statewide.
Know: Michigan’s COVID-19 vaccine plan expands to 50+ with certain conditions: What to know
According to Johns Hopkins University, more than 29 million cases have been reported in the U.S., with more than 528,000 deaths reported from the virus.
Worldwide, more than 117.8 million people have been confirmed infected and more than 2.6 million have died. More than 66 million have recovered, 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.
Michigan COVID-19 vaccinations: How to find appointments, info on phases
VIEW: Tracking Michigan COVID-19 vaccine doses 💉
VIEW: Tracking coronavirus cases, outbreaks in Michigan schools
Michigan confirms first case of South African COVID variant in Jackson County
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced that the first case of the COVID-19 variant B.1.351 has been identified in a child in Jackson County.
The health department did not say how the boy was infected but a case investigation is underway to determine close contacts and if there are additional cases associated.
This new variant was originally detected in South Africa in October 2020 and shares some mutations with the B117 variant. The first case of the B117 variant -- originally detected in the United Kingdom -- was identified in Washtenaw County.
Michigan to expand COVID-19 vaccine plan to include residents age 50 and older
The state of Michigan will is expanding its COVID-19 vaccine plan to include residents age 50 and older, Local 4 has learned.
Next week
Starting Monday (March 8), any Michigan residents age 50 and up with pre-existing medical conditions or disabilities will be eligible to make an appointment for the COVID-19 vaccine, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said.
Caregiver family members and guardians who care for children with special health care needs will also be eligible to receive the vaccine, starting Monday.
“The more people we can get the safe and effective vaccine, the faster we can return to a sense of normalcy,” Whitmer said. “I urge all eligible Michiganders to get one of the three COVID-19 vaccines to protect you, your family and your community.”
Later this month
On March 22, all Michiganders age 50 and up will become eligible, Local 4 has learned.
More than 40% of Michiganders age 65 and older have been vaccinated, according to the state.
“Over 2.3 million doses of the safe and effective COVID vaccines have been administered in Michigan, and we know more vaccine is coming into the state,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health at MDHHS. “We are pleased to expand eligibility for more people to get vaccinated as we continue to focus on our most vulnerable and those at highest risk of severe illness due to COVID-19.”
Michigan loosens COVID restrictions on restaurants -- here are all the details
The state of Michigan has loosened its COVID-19 restrictions on bars and restaurants, including the capacity limit and nightly curfew.
On Tuesday, March 2, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced the restrictions on indoor dining have been revised.
Starting Friday, March 5, Michigan restaurants and bars will be allowed to fill up to 50% capacity, with a maximum of 100 people, according to the state.
“I’m proud that we are able to take this positive step without compromising public health,” Whitmer said.
Since Feb. 1, restaurants had been capped at 25% capacity. From mid-November through the end of January, no indoor dining was allowed at bars or restaurants.
COVID variant cases in Michigan rise by more than 100
The number of the confirmed cases of a more contagious COVID-19 variant in Michigan increased by more than 100 this week, suggesting there is “undetected spread” in the community.
Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, the chief medical director for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, said the state has confirmed 422 cases of the COVID-19 B117 variant.
That number increased from 314 cases identified as of six days prior (Feb. 24).
Macomb County offers new COVID-19 vaccination site for seniors 60 and older
Through a partnership with SMART, Macomb County is offering a new vaccination location in Sterling Heights.
The vaccination site is at the Sterling Heights Senior Center on Utica Road, between Schoenherr and Van Dyke roads.
Appointments are required. Eligible residents and workers can call the SMART Macomb Vaccine line at 586-421-6579.
Wayne County announces new vaccination clinics for seniors
Wayne County announced it will open several vaccination clinics for residents 65 and older.
According to county Executive Warren Evans, the vaccination clinics will begin Feb. 23.
“I’m pleased Wayne County is now in a position to begin vaccinating seniors,” Evans said. “I know everyone is eager to safely get back to normal. Our team is working hard to ensure all of our residents can get their COVID shot as quickly as the vaccine is available.”
There are no walk-up appointments and seniors must make an appointment by calling the number for the site in their communities.
The full list of clinics and how to register can be found here.
Michigan COVID-19 daily reported cases since Feb. 15:
- Feb. 15 -- 633 new cases
- Feb. 16 -- 775 new cases
- Feb. 17 -- 939 new cases
- Feb. 18 -- 888 new cases
- Feb. 19 -- 1,193 new cases
- Feb. 20 -- 635 new cases
- Feb. 21 -- 742 new cases
- Feb. 22 -- 742 new cases
- Feb. 23 -- 1,316 new cases
- Feb. 24 -- 1,245 new cases
- Feb. 25 -- 1,388 new cases
- Feb. 26 -- 1,073 new cases
- Feb. 27 -- 1,156 new cases
- Feb. 28 -- 784 new cases
- March 1 -- 785 new cases
- March 2 -- 1,067 new cases
- March 3 -- 1,536 new cases
- March 4 -- 1,526 new cases
- March 5 -- 1,486 new cases
- March 6 -- 1,289 new cases
- March 7 -- 980 new cases
- March 8 -- 980 new cases
- March 9 -- 954 new cases
Michigan COVID-19 daily reported deaths since Feb. 15:
- Feb. 15 -- 4 new deaths
- Feb. 16 -- 19 new deaths
- Feb. 17 -- 11 new deaths
- Feb. 18 -- 85 news deaths (72 from vital records)
- Feb. 19 -- 23 new deaths
- Feb. 20 -- 63 new deaths
- Feb. 21 -- 1 new death
- Feb. 22 -- 2 new deaths
- Feb. 23 -- 34 new deaths
- Feb. 24 -- 9 new deaths
- Feb. 25 -- 48 new deaths (30 from vital records)
- Feb. 26 -- 1 new death
- Feb. 27 -- 68 new deaths (62 from vital records)
- Feb. 28 -- 6 new deaths
- March 1 -- 6 new deaths
- March 2 -- 24 new deaths (12 from vital records)
- March 3 -- 5 new deaths
- March 4 -- 37 new deaths (29 from vital records)
- March 5 -- 10 new deaths
- March 6 -- 56 new deaths (48 from vital records)
- March 7 -- 2 new deaths
- March 8 -- 2 new deaths
- March 9 -- 29 new deaths (8 from vital records)
Coronavirus resources:
- View more: Michigan COVID-19 data 📊📈
- Question about coronavirus? Ask Dr. McGeorge here.
- More: Return to School updates
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