Michigan coronavirus (COVID-19) cases up to 10,791; Death toll now at 417
DETROIT – The number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Michigan has risen to 10,791 as of Thursday, including 417 deaths, state officials report.
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Thursday’s total represents an increase of 1,457 cases and 80 deaths. It’s the largest number of deaths for any day, but the number of new cases dropped by more than 200 from the previous results. Wednesday’s total was 9,334 confirmed cases and 337 deaths.
Michigan K-12 schools closed for rest of school year
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has officially suspended in-person learning for the rest of the school year at K-12 schools across the state. The executive order closes all K-12 school buildings for the remainder of the school year -- unless restrictions are lifted -- and sets guidelines for remote learning.
“We want to make sure no student is penalized because of COVID-19,” Whitmer said.
Here’s a closer look at the order.
Michigan AG joins 20 states in call for Trump administration to focus resources on coronavirus crisis
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel joined 20 Attorneys General in urging the federal government to postpone any non-essential rulemaking unrelated to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic amid the outbreak, officials said.
The attorneys general are requesting that rulemaking and resources are focused only on responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Michigan governor now ordering veterinarians to minimize use of PPEs
Whitmer issued the clarification Thursday of an executive order she signed earlier in the week which places a temporary restriction on non-essential veterinary procedures during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The order prohibits all non-essential veterinary procedures starting on April 2, 2020, and encourages veterinarians and veterinary technicians to practice telemedicine as much as possible to slow the spread of COVID-19. And now it directs vets that use PPEs to minimize their use as much as possible to ensure availability of PPE for health care workers.
Tlaib, Dingell call on TSA to protect DTW employees
The congresswomen sent a letter to TSA Administrator David Pekoske, requesting the administration to safeguard the health and wellbeing of DTW employees after an employee tested positive for COVID-19 last week.
According to a statement from Tlaib’s office, there have also been direct reports from workers of unsafe conditions at DTW amid the pandemic.
Governor town hall tonight
Local 4 will broadcast a special event with Whitmer tonight about the state’s response to coronavirus. A virtual town hall event will air at 7 p.m. 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.
The town hall will be live on Local 4 and ClickOnDetroit -- streaming here.
Here’s what happened Wednesday:
State of disaster declared
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer formally declared a state of disaster due to the economic, educational and civic issues caused by COVID-19.
She also sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey and House Speaker Lee Chatfield requesting a concurrent resolution extending the declared state of emergency and disaster by 70 days from the date of the resolution.
AG tells Menards to stop putting customers, workers in danger
Attorney General Dana Nessel warned Menards to stop engaging in practices that may endanger customers and employees during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
According to Nessel’s office, the company has been violating an Executive Order issued by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
Hundreds of inmates released
Hundreds of inmates have been released from Metro Detroit county jails in an attempt to slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).
Officials have been reviewing the cases of inmates who would not be a danger to the public if released. Sentencing judges have the final say.
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.
Death toll reaches 337
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.
MORE: Worker from Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne dies from coronavirus
That number is up from 7,615 confirmed cases and 259 deaths Tuesday.
RELATED: Detroit’s number of COVID-19 cases rises to 2,483 after city accelerates testing
400 ventilators arrive in Michigan for COVID-19 patients
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said hundreds of ventilators arrived Tuesday from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Whitmer has tweeted pictures of more than 400 ventilators that have come into Michigan from the Strategic National Stockpile.
Counties, cities launch 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.
Flint announces curfew
A curfew will be instituted in Flint to slow the spread of coronavirus, starting Thursday.
Mayor Sheldon Neeley said the curfew aims to limit the amount of people in public and increase social distancing.
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.