DETROIT – We’re getting a closer look at which neighborhoods in Detroit have been hit hardest by coronavirus (COVID-19).
“So many of our loved ones are being affected by this,” Melanie Williams-Bowers said.
Williams-Bowers owns a business called GURU Public Relations. On any given day she is ripping and running from meeting to meeting while planning various events.
Recently, her busy schedule came to a complete stop. Just two weeks ago her father died from coronavirus.
“It happened so fast and so suddenly. My dad passed within hours. There are no words to describe what’s happening in our city," she said. "It’s happening right in our own back yards.”
Unfortunately, Detroit has the numbers to prove that. Local 4 has obtained the latest numbers of COVID-19 cases. As of Wednesday, Detroit has 7,020 cases and 424 deaths in the city alone.
The top three age groups of cases in Detroit are as follows:
- 20% of cases are between the ages of 60-69
- 19% of cases are between the ages of 50-59
- 16% of cases are between the ages of 40-49
- More: Michigan COVID-19 Data
When it comes to coronavirus deaths in Detroit, African Americans make up 75.7 percent of total deaths.
A map on the city’s website shows most of the deaths are in District 1. That area is in and around West 7 Mile Road.
District 2 is the Fitzgerald neighborhood.
About 55 percent of coronavirus cases in Detroit are women and almost 44 percent are men.
MORE: What the CDC says you should do if you believe you have coronavirus (COVID-19)
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?
- Spread is possible before people show symptoms. People who are not showing symptoms can still be carrying the virus and can still pass it on to other people.
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.
Click here for more guidelines from the CDC.
People who think they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider immediately.
Question about coronavirus? Ask Dr. McGeorge here.