Michigan coronavirus (COVID-19) cases up to 32,967; Death toll now at 2,700

DETROIT – The number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Michigan has risen to 32,967 as of Tuesday, including 2,700 deaths, state officials report.

Tuesday’s numbers represent an increase of 967 cases and 232 deaths. Monday’s total was exactly 32,000 confirmed cases and 2,468 deaths.

Here is a note from the state on the updated death total:

“Regular reviews of death certificate data maintained in Vital Records reporting systems are conducted by MDHHS staff three times per week. As a part of this process, records that identify COVID-19 infection as a contributing factor to death are compared against all laboratory confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Michigan Disease Surveillance System (MDSS). If a death certificate is matched to a confirmed COVID-19 case and that record in the MDSS does not indicate the individual died, the MDSS record is updated to indicate the death and the appropriate local health department is notified. These matched deaths are then included with mortality information posted to the Michigan Coronavirus website. As a result of the most recent assessment, today’s data includes 95 additional deaths identified by this methodology.”

Michigan leaders: More funding for Paycheck Protection Program is critical to small businesses

More than 43,000 businesses in Michigan impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak received more than $10 billion in forgivable loans during the first round of federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funding, according to Michigan officials.

That’s not going to be enough, as many small business owners will tell you. Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist, in a joint news release with former Lt. Gov. Brian Calley, is calling on federal officials to reach an agreement and authorize additional funding to the PPP funds.

According to Gilchrist, all of the $349 billion that was authorized for the initial round of PPP was committed by April 16 – less than two weeks after the application period opened -- showing the need for continued small business relief.

Beaumont Health laying off 2,475, eliminating about 450 positions

Beaumont Health announced Tuesday morning that due to the “financial consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic” it is temporarily laying off 2,475 employees, permanently eliminating 450 positions and cutting executive pay.

Beaumont Health CEO John Fox will take a 70% temporary pay cut to his base salary. The other members of Beaumont’s executive leadership will take temporary pay cuts up to 45% of their total compensation, according to Beaumont.

Beaumont said of the 2,475 temporary layoffs, most involve hospital administrative staff and others who are not directly caring for patients with or without COVID-19. Most of the 450 position eliminations are part of the corporate staff or are serving in other administrative roles.

More drive-thru COVID-19 testing in Metro Detroit

The Michigan governor announced Tuesday a partnership with CVS Health to provide drive-through rapid COVID-19 testing in Dearborn.

According to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s office, COVID-19 testing will be conducted in the parking lot of the Henry Ford Centennial Library -- 16301 Michigan Ave. -- at no cost to eligible Michiganders. A doctor’s referral is not required.

The governor’s office says the site will test 500-750 residents daily who are experiencing certain COVID-19-related symptoms and risk factors as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

60 workers at Michigan meat packing plant test positive for COVID-19

A meat packing plant in west Michigan had 60 employees test positive for COVID-19, according to reports.

JBS Meat Packaging in Gun Plain Township had to shut down over the weekend after the employees tested positive, according to WOOD TV.

However, the plant was back open on Monday with limited staffing, Allegan County health officials told WOOD.

Biden praises Michigan’s handling of COVID-19

Living in the middle of a pandemic means campaigning for president can’t be business as usual.

No rallies, no in-person appearances, and certainly no shaking hands. Local 4 interviewed former Vice President Joe Biden via Zoom -- while he was in his basement. He’ll tell you Michigan is critical to his election math.

Here’s what happened Monday:

What happens when stay-at-home order expires? Legislature presents plan

The Republican controlled Legislature shared two different but similar plans called “Open Michigan Safely.”

The plan starts with differing risk levels.

Read about it here.

Parents of first Michigan child to die from COVID-19 share heartbreak

The family of the first Michigan child to die from coronavirus (COVID-19) spoke Monday afternoon, sharing their pain after losing their daughter.

Skylar Herbert, 5, died Sunday morning at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak. She developed a rare condition after getting COVID-19.

Whitmer points to hopeful signs in COVID-19 fight, says next 10 days are key

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is urging residents to continue to follow the state’s stay-home order, but pointed to some cautiously optimistic data points in her Monday briefing.

On Monday, Michigan reported its lowest one-day case total since March 26, and it’s lowest increase in deaths since April 6. The state is now reporting 32,000 total cases.

“What happens depends on how the next 10 days go,” Whitmer said, telling residents to stay home to continue mitigating spread. “For those of you who want to get back to work, stay home.”

Death toll reaches 2,468

The number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Michigan has risen to 32,000 as of Monday, including 2,468 deaths, state officials report.

That number is up from 31,424 confirmed cases and 2,391 deaths Sunday.

The official recovery total is 3,237.

Whitmer says she, staff taking pay cuts amid COVID-19 pandemic

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced Monday she is taking a 10 percent pay cut to her salary during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Whitmer said her senior staff members will take a 5 percent pay cut. She spoke during a news conference about the state’s response to COVID-19.

Suburban Collection Showplace to begin accepting COVID-19 patients

Work to convert the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi into a coronavirus (COVID-19) care facility has been completed, and the first patients are expected to arrive this week.

Officials said the patients should get to the facility by the end of the week.

Michigan Coronavirus Task Force on Racial Disparities created

The governor’s office says the COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted communities of color throughout the state.

A new task force will act in an advisory capacity to the governor and study the causes of racial disparities in the impact of COVID-19 and recommend actions to immediately address such disparities and the historical and systemic inequities that underlie them.

Beaumont Health: 2,076 COVID-19 patients discharged since mid-March

Beaumont Health announced Monday that 2,076 coronavirus (COVID-19) patients have been discharged from its hospitals since mid-March.

There have also been 154 patients taken off ventilators.

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.

Read more about coronavirus here.