Whitmer says she will provide more details about plan to reopen Michigan economy next week
DETROIT – Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said during a press conference Friday that she will provide more details next week about her plan to reopen the state’s economy.
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Whitmer said this will be determined by a “fact-based, data driven approach."
The coronavirus (COVID-19) curve has plateaued, said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, the chief medical executive of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
Michigan coronavirus (COVID-19) cases up to 30,023; Death toll now at 2,227
The number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Michigan has risen to 30,023 as of Friday, including 2,227 deaths, state officials report.
Friday’s numbers represent an increase of 760 cases and 134 deaths. Thursday’s total was 29,263 confirmed cases and 2,093 deaths.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said on Monday that the state’s case curve appears to be flattening. On Friday, she said she would be releasing information on the state’s plan to reopen the economy in phases.
Q&A: Michigan unemployment agency answers questions about issues applying for benefits
The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) is dealing with unprecedented demand due to the coronavirus pandemic.
More than 1 million have filed for benefits in the state in the last several weeks, and the UIA has been hit with massive technical issues due to the demand online and by phone.
Related: Michigan unemployment help and resources -- updated list
The UIA says most of the technical issues have been fixed, but demand is still high and many residents are either still having trouble getting through to file -- or they are waiting on a response. The UIA says about 5-8 percent are having trouble.
Hank Winchester held a live Q&A with Kimberly Berry, the deputy director of UIA, to try and answer some of the questions from viewers.
Michigan unemployment agency offers guidance on best times to certify benefits
The Michigan Unemployment Agency is offering some guidance to residents who need to certify their benefits every two weeks.
Under federal law, unemployed workers must certify that they are still unemployed two weeks after their initial claim is approved and every two weeks after. Once the claim is certified, benefit payments are disbursed. Claimants can certify their claim by visiting Michigan.gov/UIA and signing into their MiWAM account.
In order to avoid slowdowns and keep the UIA’s online system functioning properly, the agency is directing claimants who need to certify next week to avoid doing so on Monday, April 20 and instead wait to certify throughout the week and during off-peak hours. Mondays generally have the highest number of logins and web interactions.
Henry Ford Health: 1,357 coronavirus (COVID-19) patients discharged in last 30 days
Officials at Henry Ford Health System report 1,357 coronavirus (COVID-19) patients have been discharged over the last month, while 591 others remain hospitalized.
As of 11 a.m. Friday, an additional 40 patients have been released since Thursday morning.
The number of coronavirus patients still in the hospital dropped from 617 on Friday to 591 on Friday.
Whitmer stresses need for more testing, ‘hopes’ to relax ‘some’ stay-home measures on May 1
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said on Friday morning that she hopes to be able to relax some stay-home measures on May 1, but more testing is needed.
Gov. Whitmer, in response to a question about Ohio planning to reopen some businesses on May 1, said she hopes to “have some relaxing," on May 1, “but it’s two weeks away, and the information, the data and our ability to test is changing to rapidly -- It’s hard to tell your precisely where we’ll be one week from now, let alone two weeks from now.”
“We are looking very carefully at making sure that each decision we make is supported by the science, by the facts, and is in the best interest of the health of the people,” Whitmer said. “Because that’s ultimately what matters to our ability to ramp up our economy again - and to avoid a second wave, which would be devastating.”
Here’s what happened Thursday:
Map containing internal Oakland County COVID-19 data mistakenly leaked
Oakland County officials said a map containing internal coronavirus (COVID-19) data was mistakenly leaked Tuesday night.
According to officials, the map had COVID-19 positive case information, such as gender, race, age, address and mortality status.
Michigan lawmaker introduces plan to limit governor’s powers
Michigan Rep. Jason Sheppard (R-Monroe) introduced a plan Thursday he says is designed to limit the governor’s powers during states of emergency.
Sheppard described Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s stay-at-home order as overreach, saying it is restrictive and holds "Michigan residents hostage in their homes.”
Cease and desist letter to Detroit apartment trying to illegally evict seniors
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel sent a cease and desist letter Thursday to a Detroit apartment complex threatening to kick out tenants during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
According to officials, the company that oversees Jeffersonian Apartments was threatening to evict tenants who were behind on rent payments. Nessel said many of these renters are elderly.
Sinai-Grace to receive help from local, state levels
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said the state is stepping in to help at Sinai-Grace Hospital in Detroit
The assistance comes after photos of how bodies of COVD-19 victims were being stored and stacked.
Death toll reaches 2,093
The number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Michigan has risen to 29,263 as of Thursday, including 2,093 deaths, state officials report.
That number is up from 28,059 confirmed cases and 1,921 deaths Wednesday.
The official recovery rate is 433.
Henry Ford Health: 1,317 COVID-19 patients discharged in last 30 days
Officials at Henry Ford Health System report 1,317 coronavirus (COVID-19) patients have been discharged over the last month, while 617 others remain hospitalized.
As of 10 a.m. Thursday, an additional 43 patients have been released since Wednesday morning.
1,040,000 Michigan residents filed for unemployment since pandemic began
More than 1 million Michigan residents have filed for unemployment since the coronavirus outbreak began.
MORE: Michigan unemployment help and resources -- updated list
The number of unemployed people in Michigan is worst than during the 2009 recession.
Whitmer, Midwest governors partner on plan to reopen regional economy
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is partnering with governors in the Midwest on a plan to reopen the region’s economy amid the coronavirus outbreak.
Governors Gretchen Whitmer (MI), Mike DeWine (OH), Tony Evers (WI), Tim Walz (MN), JB Pritzker (IL), Eric Holcomb (IN), and Andy Beshear (KY) announced that they will work in close coordination to reopen the economy in the Midwest region. Read their joint statement here.
Oakland County launches first drive-up COVID-19 testing site
Oakland County is opening its first drive-thru COVID-19 testing site Thursday at the county’s main campus in Pontiac.
The tests are by appointment-only and made through the Health Division’s Nurse on Call hotline, 800-848-5533.
National Cherry Festival canceled for 2020
The National Cherry Festival is pushing its annual event in Traverse City to July 2021 due to coronavirus concerns. The annual festival is normally held in late June, into early July, and it includes musical performances, family activities and - of course - cherries.
PGA Tour: Detroit’s Rocket Mortgage Classic scheduled for July
The PGA Tour announced Thursday that this year’s Rocket Mortgage Classic a the Detroit Golf Club is scheduled for July 2-5.
The PGA said it plans to resume 2020 play with the first four events, including the Rocket Mortgage Classic, closed to the general public but will continue to monitor the situation and follow the recommendations of local and state authorities in order to determine the most appropriate on-site access in each market.
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.