Michigan extends ‘stay home’ order to April 30: What you need to know
DETROIT – Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced the extension of the state’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order to at least the end of April.
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Whitmer signed executive order 2020-42, extending the order through April 30. As with the prior order, Executive Order 2020-42 limits gatherings and travel and requires all workers who are not necessary to sustain or protect life to stay home.
Michigan coronavirus (COVID-19) cases up to 21,504; Death toll now at 1,076
The number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Michigan has risen to 21,504 as of Thursday, including 1,076 deaths, state officials report.
Thursday’s numbers represents an increase of 1,158 cases and 117 deaths. Wednesday’s total was 20,346 confirmed cases and 959 deaths.
Michigan extended its “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order through at least April 30.
‘TCF Regional Care Center’ to accept first 25 patients
A convention center in Detroit that’s been undergoing preparations to become an alternate coronavirus (COVID-19) care facility will be ready and open for patients on Friday, April 10, according to Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
Whitmer said in a news release Thursday that the TCF Center -- now being called the “TCF Regional Care Center” -- is scheduled to accept its first 25 patients on Friday. The facility will be supported by staff and resources from Henry Ford Health System, McLaren Health Care, Beaumont Health and the Detroit Medical Center.
Tracking Michigan COVID-19 tests data
Here we are tracking the state of Michigan’s COVID-19 tests data.
This chart shows the total amount of COVID-19 tests and the percentage of which are positive test results:
Here’s what happened Wednesday:
State begins reporting recovery numbers
Michigan officials will now provide updates on the number of people who have recovered from COVID-19.
The number of recoveries will be updated weekly on Saturdays. The state will continue to provide daily confirmed case and death updates.
As of April 3, state officials say 56 people have recovered from COVID-19.
Governor to extend ‘stay home’ order
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says the “stay-at-home” order, originally slated to end on April 14, will be extended.
Whitmer told WOOD-TV that she will make an announcement with more details on Thursday. Local 4 has confirmed this with the governor’s office.
Golfers defy stay-at-home order
The Local 4 Defenders drone was up in he sky above Edgewood Country Club in Commerce Township around lunchtime Wednesday and it caught plenty of people hitting the greens -- enjoying the 18 hole course.
Michigan expands unemployment call center hours
Michigan is expanding hours and staff to better handle demand for unemployment during the coronavirus outbreak.
The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency has extended call center hours by an hour every day 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday-Friday and it remains open from 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturday. Customers in the call center and online chat queues before closing time will have their calls or chats resolved that day.
Death toll reaches 959
The number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Michigan has risen to 20,346 as of Wednesday, including 959 deaths, state officials report.
That number is up from 18,970 confirmed cases and 845 deaths Tuesday.
Henry Ford Health: 853 COVID-19 patients discharged
Officials at Henry Ford Health System report more than 850 coronavirus (COVID-19) patients have been discharged over the last month, and there are fewer people in the hospital with the virus than a day ago.
As of 9 a.m. Wednesday, 853 people have been treated for the coronavirus and discharged -- an additional 75 patients since Tuesday morning.
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.