DETROIT – Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has reiterated that coronavirus (COVID-19) is still a serious threat.
Here’s what happened Friday:
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Whitmer says there’s enough Michigan COVID-19 deaths to fill Fox Theatre
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer emphasized the serious threat still posed by the coronavirus (COVID-19) by comparing the number of the state’s deaths to the capacity of the Fox Theatre.
As of Friday, 4,825 deaths have been linked to the coronavirus in Michigan. The state also went over 50,000 total confirmed cases Friday, at 50,079.
Several sheriffs say they won’t enforce Whitmer’s Executive Orders
Several sheriffs have publicly stated they will not enforce parts of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s coronavirus (COVID-19) Executive Orders.
VIEW: A timeline of closures, event bans, stay-at-home orders
Attorney General Dana Nessel spoke with Local 4 about what it means when law enforcement refuse to enforce the law.
Families want answers after loved ones die in nursing homes
Families with loved ones in nursing homes have reached out to the Local 4 Defenders. They worry and wonder about the care they’re getting.
"My biggest fear was that she would contract it,” Anthony Messina said about his sister, Mary.
Messina is mourning the loss of his sister. He said she came down with COVID-19 inside the Macomb County nursing home where she was living.
Death toll reaches 4,825
The number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Michigan has risen to 50,079 as of Thursday, including 4,825 deaths, state officials report.
That number is up from 49,582 confirmed cases and 4,787 deaths Wednesday.
The official recovery total is 22,686.
Lawmakers want Kroger to extend workers’ $2 raise
A group of Michigan lawmakers is calling on Kroger to extend the $2 pay raise it gave to workers during the pandemic, saying it would be “a slap in the face” to let the ‘Hero Pay’ expire this weekend while the coronavirus (COVID-19) remains a threat.
On Thursday, Congress members Rashida Tlaib, Debbie Dingell, Dan Kildee, Brenda Lawrence, Andy Levin and Haley Stevens sent a letter to The Kroger Company.
Washtenaw County water parks closed, summer camps canceled
Rolling Hills Water Park and Blue Heron Bay will both be closed for the summer. Blue Heron was already going to be closed this year due to infrastructure issues, but the decision to close Rolling Hills was based on concerns about social distancing at a water park, officials said.
Also, day camp programs at Rolling Hills, Independence Lake, the Meri Lou Murray Recreation Center and the Ypsilanti-based Playground Camp are all canceled.
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.