Michigan coronavirus (COVID-19) cases up to 36,641; Death toll now at 3,085
The number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Michigan has risen to 36,641 as of Friday, including 3,085 deaths, state officials report.
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Friday’s update includes 1,350 new cases and 108 additional deaths. Thursday’s total was 35,291 confirmed cases and 2,977 deaths.
Michigan residents now required to wear masks in public places under revised stay-at-home order
Michigan residents are now required to wear masks in public places, such as grocery stores, under the governor’s revised stay-at-home order.
This new order only applies to people who can medically tolerate wearing a mask, officials said.
The previous order encouraged residents to wear face coverings in enclosed places to slow the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), but now that is a requirement, as of Friday.
Employers must provide non-medical grade masks to their in-person employees.
Michigan health officials to start reporting nursing home COVID-19 data
State of Michigan health officials are planning to start reporting nursing home COVID-19 cases on Friday.
The state started to require these facilities to report cases this week. Michigan health Chief Dr. Joneigh S. Khaldun said so far 331 nursing facilities have reported – about 2/3 of the total number of facilities in the state.
Those two facilities together reported 2,218 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in their facilities -- about 3/4 of the case are in southeast Michigan.
Whitmer extends stay-at-home order, with loosened restrictions
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has extended Michigan’s stay-at-home order while loosening some restrictions on the state’s businesses.
The stay-at-home order, issued to stop the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), has been extended through May 15. It was previously in effect through the end of April.
Whitmer has lifted restrictions so some businesses linked to outdoor activities can reopen, such as golf and motorized boating. Read more here.
Governor looking at next week to roll out plan for reopening state
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has been promising more details about the state reopening after the coronavirus (COVID-19) shutdown, and she’s looking to roll out those details next week.
“I’m hoping to say more when we can start loosening restrictions as soon as Friday of this week,” Whitmer said. “I’ll continue this conversation and share more information. I want to be clear: We will likely need another short-term extension of the ‘Stay Home, Stay Safe’ order.”
Death toll reaches 2,977
The number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Michigan has risen to 35,291 as of Thursday, including 2,977 deaths, state officials report.
That number is up from 33,966 confirmed cases and 2,813 deaths Wednesday.
The official recovery total is 3,237.
FBI raid business over improper COVID-19 treatments
The FBI is raiding Allure Medical spa in Shelby Township over some kind of improper COVID-19 treatments.
Allure Medical is located at Van Dyke Avenue and 26 Mile Road.
Michigan launches mortgage relief partnership
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced a new partnership with more than 200 financial institutions to offer relief to those who are struggling to pay their mortgages during the coronavirus pandemic.
Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) today announced the creation of the MiMortgage Relief Partnership with over 200 of Michigan’s financial institutions to “recognize and expand upon the measures that these institutions have been taking to assist customers to ensure that no one experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19 will lose their home during this public health crisis.”
Michigan nursing homes unprepared for COVID-19 outbreak
Experts are drawing attention to nursing homes as potential coronavirus (COVID-19) hotspots as the pandemic evolves.
MORE: Tracking coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in nursing homes around Metro Detroit
Just as other hospitals and medical centers around the state, nursing home workers are experiencing shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Cleveland Clinic sends 13 nurses to Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit
The Cleveland Clinic has sent 13 nurses to Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit for COVID-19 response assistance and relief.
The nurses departed from Avon Hospital in Ohio on Wednesday. They will spend up to four weeks at various Henry Ford Hospital locations treating COVID-19 patients, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Detroit students to get 50,000 laptops, free internet
A coalition of Detroit businesses and philanthropic organizations announced Thursday a plan to place a computer tablet with high-speed LTE internet connectivity, along with technical support, into the hands of every Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) K-12 student before the end of the school year.
Town hall addresses impact of COVID-19 on black community
Coronavirus (COVID-19) is disproportionately impacting Michigan’s black community.
Several leaders representing various occupations discussed important issues within the black community during a Facebook Town Hall meeting on Thursday.
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.