Michigan coronavirus (COVID-19) cases up to 72,502; Death toll now at 6,108
The number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Michigan has risen to 72,502 as of Friday, including 6,108 deaths, state officials report.
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Friday’s update represents 660 new cases and an additional seven deaths. Thursday’s totals were 71,842 confirmed cases and 6,101 total deaths.
New cases have increased moderately in the last week, while deaths remain flat in Michigan. Testing has increased in the last week, with an average of more than 20,000 per day, with the positive rate just above 3 percent. Hospitalizations have increased slightly since last week.
Michigan has reported 53,867 COVID-19 recoveries. The state also reports “active cases,” which were listed at 11,600 as of Thursday. Michigan’s 7-day average moving average for daily cases was 594 on Thursday.
State moves Detroit Region into ‘high risk’ category for coronavirus (COVID-19) spread
The Detroit Region is now considered “high risk” for spreading the coronavirus (COVID-19), according to the state of Michigan.
The region is at or near 40 cases per million population on a seven-day average for more than a week. Cases have been spiking statewide since the beginning of the month.
State officials upgraded the Detroit Region to “medium-high risk” July 8 when new cases were beginning to trend upward.
Whitmer says Michigan businesses can’t assume unmasked customers have medical justification
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer strengthened her mask rules Friday, most notably saying that businesses can’t assume unmasked customers have medical justification for entering without a mask and must ask them to confirm.
Executive Order 2020-153 clarified Whitmer’s previous mask order.
The new order also requires public safety officers to wear face coverings unless that would seriously interfere with doing their jobs. Read more here.
More: Here are the 5 exceptions to Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s COVID-19 mask rules
Fall high school sports to begin as normal in Michigan, with COVID-19 backup plans
Fall high school sports in Michigan are set to begin as normal, but there will be contingency plans in place for possible coronavirus (COVID-19) interruptions.
Members of the Michigan High School Athletic Association discussed ideas for playing sports beginning in August and will meet again July 29 to continue that discussion.
High school football practices are currently scheduled to begin Aug. 10. Other fall sports are set to begin practice Aug. 12. Read more here.
Tracking moving 7-day average of new COVID-19 cases in Michigan
The chart below tracks the moving 7-day average of new cases dating back to March 17, one week after the first confirmed cases in Michigan.
New Michigan COVID-19 cases per day since July 1:
- July 1 -- 262 new cases
- July 2 -- 543 new cases
- July 3 -- 460 new cases
- July 4 -- 398 new cases
- July 5 -- 343 new cases
- July 6 -- 295 new cases
- July 7 -- 456 new cases
- July 8 -- 610 new cases
- July 9 -- 446 new cases
- July 10 -- 612 new cases
- July 11 -- 653 new cases
- July 12 -- 390 new cases
- July 13 -- 384 new cases
- July 14 -- 584 new cases
- July 15 -- 891 new cases
- July 16 -- 645 new cases
- July 17 -- 660 new cases
Here’s a look at the overall COVID-19 data in Michigan:
- View more: Michigan COVID-19 data
- Dr. Frank McGeorge: How researchers can track the way a virus circulates