Michigan coronavirus (COVID-19) cases up to 18,970; Death toll now at 845
DETROIT – The number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Michigan has risen to 18,970 as of Tuesday, including 845 deaths, state officials report.
Recommended Videos
Tuesday’s total represents an increase of 1,749 cases and 118 deaths. Monday’s total was 17,221 confirmed cases and 727 deaths.
Detroit parks: Social distancing dos and don’ts
To prevent the spread of COVID-19, the city of Detroit has listed the following social distancing guidelines to practice while using city parks:
Don’t:
- Use playground equipment
- Play team or contact sports
- Pass by someone without six feet of distance between you
Do:
- Bike, walk and get exercise
- Enjoy your time outside safely
- Keep a distance of six feet between yourself and others at all times
Henry Ford Health: 778 COVID-19 patients discharged
The Henry Ford health System began reporting COVID-19 patient discharges on Tuesday. The health system said 778 COVID-19 patients have been discharged home in last 30 days.
Tracking growth factor of daily new COVID-19 cases in Michigan
This chart is tracking the growth factor of daily new COVID-19 cases in Michigan.
Growth factor is the factor by which a quantity multiplies itself over time. The formula used is every day’s new cases divided by new cases on the previous day.
Michigan Legislature set to extend emergency declaration
The Michigan Senate has voted to expand the state’s emergency declaration for the coronavirus pandemic by 23 days.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said last week she wanted the Legislature to extend the Emergency Declaration and Disaster order for 70 more days -- bringing us to June 9. Senators decided to extend the declaration by just 23 days for now, bringing us to April 30.
The Michigan House is expected to take a similar vote later Tuesday.
734 Henry Ford Health workers test positive
More than 700 Henry Ford Health System employees have tested positive for COVID-19.
Henry Ford’s Bob Riney, president of healthcare operations and chief operating officer, and Dr. Adnan Munkarah, M.D., executive vice president and chief clinical officer, provided an update on the workforce Monday. They said 734 of their employees have tested positive for COVID-19. The health system has more than 31,000 employees working across five hospitals.
Related: Friends, family mourn death of Henry Ford Health nurse who died from COVID-19
Here’s what happened Monday:
Governor considers extension of ‘stay home’ order
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says the “stay-at-home” order, originally slated to end on April 14, will likely be extended.
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.
Nurses walk off job
Nurses at Sinai-Grace Hospital in Detroit protested staffing numbers, which resulted in an overnight walkout.
The nurses arrived at work at 7 p.m. on Sunday and saw the workload. Nurse Sal Hadwan, who led the protest, said the nurses would each have about a dozen seriously ill patients under their care. About half of those patients would be on a ventilator.
Suburban Collection Showplace to be converted into COVID-19 care facility
The Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi will be converted into a care facility for COVID-19 patients.
The 250,000-square foot area will provide space for beds to accommodate up to 1,000 patients.
Death toll reaches 727
The number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Michigan has risen to 17,221 as of Monday, including 727 deaths, state officials report.
That number is up from 15,718 confirmed cases and 617 deaths Sunday.
GM begins face mask production at Warren plant
General Motors began mass production of medical face masks at its Warren Transmission Plant.
Paid UAW 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.
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.
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.