Michigan coronavirus (COVID-19) cases up to 37,203; Death toll now at 3,274
DETROIT – The number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Michigan has risen to 37,203 as of Saturday, including 3,274 deaths, state officials report.
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Saturday’s update includes 562 new cases and 189 additional deaths. Friday’s numbers included 36,641 coronavirus cases and 3,085 deaths.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services compares records that identify COVID-19 infection as a contributing factor to death against all laboratory confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Michigan Disease Surveillance System. 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.
As of Saturday, April 25, the official recovery total is 8,342.
Women show support for Michigan Gov. Whitmer on social media
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s response to the state’s coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has been met with criticism from some and vocal support from others.
MORE: New poll shows how Michiganders feel about coronavirus measures, economy, Whitmer approval
On social media this week, men and women have shared posts using the hashtag #MIWhitmersWomen to show support for the governor amid the pandemic.
Dozens ticketed for violating social distancing order after police bust street racers in Detroit
Detroit police busted street racers Friday night, issuing more than 30 tickets for violations of coronavirus (COVID-19) social distancing rules.
Police said they received multiple complaints about people street racing, drifting and driving recklessly in the area of I-96 and Warren Avenue on the city’s west side.
At least 10 cars were also impounded.
Michigan’s stay-at-home order prohibits people from visiting with people who live in a different household. That order is in place until May 15 after it was extended Friday.
Pandemic doesn’t stop human trafficking
The cruel world of human trafficking has not subsided during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Unfortunately, the conditions have made it easier for predators to find their next target.
“Anytime somebody is vulnerable they have a higher chance of being exploited,” said Chrissy Hemphill, program director of Hope Against Trafficking.
The FBI is well aware of how traffickers are locating victims. Here’s the full story.
Here’s what happened Friday:
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.
VIEW: A timeline of closures, event bans, stay-at-home orders
Whitmer has lifted restrictions so some businesses linked to outdoor activities can reopen, such as golf and motorized boating. Read more here.
Residents must wear masks in public places
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.
Whitmer says she will veto power-limiting bills
Whitmer blasted the House and Senate for meeting Friday, while the stay-at-home order is in place. The order is designed to increase social distancing.
The Senate also voted and approved measures to try and limit the governor’s powers in the future, should a similar crisis arise.
Whitmer said she would veto any bills that limit power.
Death toll reaches 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.
That number is up from 35,291 confirmed cases and 2,977 deaths Thursday.
The official recovery total is 3,237.
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.
Builders, contractors ask governor to let them get back to work
Builders and contractors in Michigan have asked the governor to let them get back to work.
The Associated Builders and Contractors in Michigan is requesting they get permission to work, noting that these workers can implement the necessary social distancing measures the governor is requesting businesses follow.
Businesses make changes as some workers to return to the job
Some businesses can begin restarting operations after the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in Michigan led to Executive Orders shuttering numerous workplaces.
Whitmer announced Friday that she was extending the state’s stay-at-home order until May 15, but the extension loosens some restrictions, meaning some people will soon be getting back to work.
While some businesses will begin reopening, changes are being made to adhere to guidelines laid out by the governor.
New testing site in Dearborn also houses first responders
Mayor John B. O’Reilly Jr., Police Chief Ronald Haddad and the Dearborn Fire Department worked together to get a new testing site in Dearborn up and running.
It’s the first of its kind in the state of Michigan.
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.