Michigan coronavirus (COVID-19) cases up to 39,262; Death toll now at 3,567
DETROIT – The number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Michigan has risen to 39,262 as of Tuesday, including 3,567 deaths, state officials report.
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Monday’s total was 38,210 confirmed cases and 3,407 deaths.
State officials say the rate of growth is continuing to slow, while testing rates continue to rise. Last week, officials noted a 15 percent decrease in virus hospitalizations over the previous 10 days.
Blue Angels to fly over Michigan
The US Navy Blue Angels will fly over Michigan on Wednesday as part of the Thunder Over Michigan Airshow.
The Navy’s Blue Angels and the Air Force’s Thunderbirds are flying over multiple cities throughout the U.S. in solidarity with frontline workers and first responders amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, officials said. The demonstrations will take place over the next two weeks, and will be in Michigan on Wednesday.
Extending Michigan’s State of Emergency is not the same thing as extending the stay-at-home order
Both Michigan’s State of Emergency and stay-at-home order were originally slated to end Thursday.
The stay-at-home order has already been extended until May 15. However, the State of Emergency is still slated to end this week.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said Monday that she is requesting a 28 day extension of the State of Emergency, meaning it would be in place until the end of May.
Extending the emergency declaration is not an extension of the stay-at-home order, though, as these are two separate actions. Whitmer declared a State of Emergency in late February, weeks before coronavirus (COVID-19) was reported in Michigan.
This declaration allowed the state to prepare for the virus.
Whitmer, the state director of emergency management and homeland security and other agencies then began directing all state resources to an emergency operations center in Lansing. If the Legislature approves the governor’s request to extend the State of Emergency, this does not mean the stay-at-home order will automatically last through May. Whitmer will still need to sign a new Executive Order if she chooses to extend that order beyond May 15.
Macomb County Health Department urges residents to answer phone for COVID-19 help
The Macomb County Health Department said it is reaching out to residents and other Michiganders who have tested positive for COVID-19, as well as to the contacts of those individuals.
County and state health officials want to check on their health status, provide information about COVID-19 and actions people should be taking, help locate needed services and track the spread of the infection in the community.
Related:
Here’s what happened Monday:
Whitmer introduces ‘MI Safe Start Plan’
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer introduced the “MI Safe Start Plan."
She said her plan to open businesses will be based on data, as well as the risk level of restarting work.
Workplaces that pose the least risk of virus transmission will be the first to reopen, such as construction work and other outdoor work. Businesses in areas that have been stabilizing will be able to open first.
However, Republican leaders want her to move more quickly.
Whitmer to request 28-day State of Emergency extension
Whitmer said that she will be requesting to extend the State of Emergency by 28 days.
The State of Emergency, if not extended, will end Thursday.
VIEW: A timeline of closures, event bans, stay-at-home orders
Whitmer said she thinks it should be extended even longer than 28 days, but the letter she will send to the Legislature will ask for that amount.
The stay-at-home order, which was originally slated to end the same day the State of Emergency ends, has already been extended through May 15.
Wayne County Health Department visits nursing homes
The Wayne County Health Department has made big moves in fighting coronavirus (COVID-19) in nursing homes.
VIEW: Tracking Michigan COVID-19 nursing home data
The mission is to get more tests and personal protective equipment to prevent the spread of the virus.
Local 4 Defender cameras were there Monday afternoon as members of the Health Department visited a local nursing home.
Detroit restaurants battle to stay afloat
Detroit’s restaurant industry was booming just a year ago, as big-name chefs from New York and Los Angeles flocked to the city to get in on the action. But now, due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, many businesses are struggling to keep their kitchens open.
Death toll reaches 3,407
The number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Michigan has risen to 38,210 as of Monday, including 3,407 deaths, state officials report.
That number is up from 37,778 confirmed cases and 3,315 deaths Sunday.
The official recovery total is 8,342.
Order extends validity of personal protection orders (PPOs)
Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-63, which extends validity of existing personal protection orders that would otherwise expire during the continuing COVID-19 pandemic.
Whitmer’s order coincides with a Michigan Supreme Court administrative order extending the validity of personal protection orders until 90 days after Michigan’s emergency declaration is lifted. The order takes immediate effect.
Data: Michigan residents ardent social distancers in April
Between April 1 and April 24, an average of about 33 percent of United States residents were staying home. In Michigan, an average 38 percent of residents were staying home during that time period. “Staying home” means no trips more than one mile away from home, according to the researchers at the University of Maryland.
Michigan has received a social distancing index of 63 between April 1 and April 24. On April 5, Michiganders peaked at a social distancing index of 74 with 44 percent of residents staying home. The nation overall has a social distancing index of 51.
Read more about the research and data here.
Answers to big unemployment questions
One million Michigan residents are already receiving unemployment benefits, but there are thousands who are still struggling to get their own.
It’s important to know that even the smallest mistake can keep you from getting your check. Consumer Investigator Hank Winchester is answering some key questions about the process.
Read answers to some frequently asked questions here.
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.