Governor considers extension of ‘stay home’ order as coronavirus cases continue to rise
DETROIT – Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says the “stay-at-home” order, originally slated to end on April 14, will likely be extended as coronavirus cases continue to rise.
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Gov. Whitmer said she’s expecting an additional order this week for the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order, but it’s unclear how long it would be extended for at this time.
Gov. Whitmer said the state “is not close to the apex yet,” and staying home is the best tool to keep people safe.
University of Michigan Health starts reporting number of discharged
University of Michigan Health will begin to report the number of patients discharged from their care.
The page will be updated daily here.
As of April 5, 114 patients have been discharged and 3,006 patients have been tested at the University of Michigan Health system’s hospitals.
Tracking Wayne County data
The Wayne County Public Health Division reported a total 2,804 cases of COVID-19 and 119 deaths related to the coronavirus as of April 4 among municipalities outside of the city of Detroit. The county is one of the top hot spots for the disease in the United States. We’re tracking the county’s and Detroit’s latest data here.
GM to begin face mask production today at Warren plant
General Motors will begin its mass production of medical face masks Monday at its Warren Transmission Plant.
Paid United Auto Workers volunteers will produce 20,000 masks by Wednesday, the automaker said. GM expects to ramp up production later on to produce up to 50,000 masks per day.
GM announced its “rapid response” project on March 31. The company said it expects to produce up to 1.5 million masks each month.
Here’s what happened Sunday:
WH coronavirus task force says Metro Detroit could peak in week
The White House coronavirus (COVID-19) task force response coordinator, Dr. Deborah Birx, said Metro Detroit -- specifically Wayne and Oakland counties -- could hit its peak in the next six or seven days.
Order restricting entry into care, juvenile justice facilities reissued
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed an Executive Order renewing restrictions on entry into care facilities and juvenile justice facilities until May 3.
The order was originally issued on March 14.
The order now requires facilities to use best efforts to facilitate remote visitations between individuals under their care and their loved ones, using phone or video conferencing software.
Bioengineers create process to disinfect used N95 masks
Beaumont Health bioengineers have created a process to disinfect used N95 masks.
The two-step process is aimed at protecting caregivers and extending usage. Instead of discarding a mask after a single use, the new process and technology adapted by Beaumont will allow many masks to be used two or three times.
Death toll reaches 617
The number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Michigan has risen to 15,718 as of Sunday, including 617 deaths, state officials report.
RELATED: Family in shock after retired MSP sergeant, wife die from COVID-19 within days
That number is up from 14,225 confirmed cases and 540 deaths Saturday.
1st known mail handler dies
The National Postal Mail Handlers Union announced the first known mail handler death related to the COVID-19 outbreak
Anthony Smith worked at the Detroit network distribution center for the United States Postal Service for thirty years, officials said. Smith was also an Army veteran who served 12 years in the military.
Religious leaders change plans
With Passover and Easter Sunday happening within the next week, it’s an important time for many religions.
Several church goers gathered in person in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic at Southfield Reformed Presbyterian Church on Passover Sunday -- services that are also streamed online every Sunday.
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.