Cases up to 9,334; Death toll rises to 337
DETROIT – The number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Michigan has risen to 9,334 as of Wednesday, including 337 deaths, state officials report.
Recommended Videos
READ: Experts project aggressive social distancing could drastically reduce Michigan COVID-19 cases by May
Wednesday’s total represents an increase of 1,719 cases and 78 deaths, the biggest single-day jump so far in the states. Tuesday’s total was 6,498 confirmed cases and 184 deaths.
Counties, cities launch coronavirus data dashboards
Some residents in Michigan can get the latest coronavirus data from their county or city websites. Most counties in Michigan are offering some sort of update on COVID-19 cases, along with exposure sites, age data and more. Check it out.
Meanwhile, we have been compiling statewide data here.
Governor town hall announced
Local 4 will broadcast a special event with Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Thursday night about the state’s response to coronavirus. A virtual town hall event will air at 7 p.m. on Thursday. Gov. Whitmer will take questions from Michiganders about the ongoing COVID-19 crisis in the state.
Submit a question on coronavirus in Michigan here.
400 ventilators arrive in Michigan for COVID-19 patients
Detroit is emerging as a trouble spot for coronavirus cases.
President Donald Trump said help is on the way. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said hundreds of ventilators arrived Tuesday from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
The Army Corps of Engineers has been hard at work inside the TCF Center. They anticipate having nearly 1,000 beds ready by April 9.
Whitmer has tweeted pictures of more than 400 ventilators that have come into Michigan from the Strategic National Stockpile.
Here’s what happened Tuesday:
Whitmer considering all options before ending school year
Despite reports Monday that Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will officially end Michigan’s school year, she insisted Tuesday that the decision hasn’t been made. Whitmer said she is considering all options before she makes a final decision on closing schools for the rest of the school year.
Despite reports that she is planning to end the year, she said Tuesday that a decision was coming soon, but she hasn’t officially shuttered schools.
AG denies request from JoAnn Fabrics to remain open
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel denied a request from craft store JoAnn Fabrics to remain open while the stay-at-home order is in place.
The chain said that maintaining onsite operations would protect lives since the store sell supplies that can be used to make face masks, face shields, hospital scrubs and gowns that are needed during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Ford postpones restarting North American plants
Ford Motor Co. announced it is delaying the restart of production at its North American plants in a move to further protect workers from the coronavirus.
The company had been aiming to restart production April 6 at Hermosillo Assembly Plant and April 14 at several key U.S. plants, including several in Metro Detroit.
Death toll reaches 259
The number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Michigan has risen to 7,615 as of Saturday, including 259 deaths, state officials report.
That number is up from 6,498 confirmed cases and 184 deaths Monday.
GM: First 20,000 masks expected to be delivered by April 8
By next week, GM expects to deliver its first 20,000 masks to frontline workers.
GM says it launched a “rapid-response” project to produce masks at scale on March 20. Seven days later, the team had produced their first sample on the new production line.
When at full capacity, GM said it expects to deliver about 1.5 million masks each month.
Carhartt shifts to make 2.5M masks, 50,000 gowns for hospitals
Dearborn-based Carhartt says it will shift production to make masks and gowns for hospitals in need.
On April 6, Carhartt says it will begin producing 50,000 medical gowns, and on April 20, the company will begin manufacturing 2.5 million masks.
Explore Michigan virtually
How about some good news?
While you are social distancing, you can explore Michigan virtually.
The #VirtualPureMichigan campaign will include live cameras showing places such as Traverse City, Holland and Frankenmuth, as well as virtual tours of museums, and other related educational experiences.
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 and 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.
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.