The news from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and now Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s office spread quickly across Metro Detroit on Friday.

“Is wearing a mask all of a sudden going to be some kind of a new scarlet letter in schools?" asked Novi superintendent Dr. Steve Matthews.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer defended her approach to fighting the recent surge of COVID cases as Dr. Anthony Fauci called for more strict restrictions in Michigan.

The massive vaccination sites at Ford Field and the TCF Center can be overwhelming.

Michigan is in the middle of a massive vaccination effort, but not everyone is getting on board.

For the seventh week in a row, the state of Michigan is the worst in the nation in terms of coronavirus cases.

“We want to get back to family time,” Smith said. ”We have a big family. We like to gather but we don’t want to compromise our older people in the family, so we all came to do our part.”

The state of Michigan reported more than 7,800 new coronavirus cases Friday afternoon.

Health officials have been sounding the alarm about Spring Break for weeks now and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said she’s particularly concerned about traveling to Florida.

MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel said the county is ready and not playing any games when it comes to giving out the vaccines. READ: Macomb County Health Department expands eligibility for COVID-19 vaccineThat’s why they’re expanding the list of people who can get the vaccines in Macomb County. Starting Saturday, anybody 16 or older with disabilities can call and set up and appointment. “Basically, what we did was decided that these people with disabilities and other family or caregivers and even their guardians at times have an opportunity to go ahead and sign up for the vaccine,” Hackel said. Ad“Our biggest concern was making sure that we took care of our seniors first and I tell you, we’re over 100,000 seniors here in Macomb County,” said Hackel.

That’s on top of the nearly $200 million for virus genome sequencing, which is critical for tracking new variants of the virus. Dr. Anthony Fauci said there are two studies that are pointing in a favorable direcion. If found higher amounts of the virus in the nose was linked to a greater ability to spread the virus. “In other words, higher viral load, good transmissibility; low viral load, very poor transmissibility.”So people who are fully vaccinated have less virus in their nose. Ad“When your turn to get vaccinated comes up, get vaccinated,” Fauci said.

DETROIT – Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan joined leaders across to country Friday morning to meet with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris at the White House. It was a part of a group to discuss the American Rescue Plan, a nearly $2 trillion economic stimulus plan, and what is needed to help get the economy roaring again. The American Rescue Plan includes $20 billion for vaccinations and $50 billion dedicated for testing and reopening schools. “They’re worried as the landlord tenant courts open up they may be facing eviction and have no place else to go,” Duggan said. The hope in Washington is to have the bill passed and the money rolling by March.

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan joined leaders across to country Friday morning to meet with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris at the White House. It was a part of a group to discuss the American Rescue Plan, a nearly $2 trillion economic stimulus plan. The hope is that Congress can get something finished in March, but there is a lot to do. AdIn addition to expediting vaccine supply, Biden said he aims to help states with unemployment benefits and reopening schools. The White House will be holding a press conference to cover the meeting at 1:30 p.m.

The CDC tested two different mask modifications -- putting a three-layered cloth mask over a surgical mask and “knotting and tucking,” where someone knots the ear loops of a surgical mask and tuck in the excess material to reduce the gaps on the side of the face. AdCDC director Dr. Rochelle Walensky discussed the new research designed to evaluate different strategies to improve masks’ ability to block particles. Putting a cloth mask over the surgical mask and knotting and tucking the mask both boosted protection. “Based on this new information, the CDC is updating the mask information for the public on the CDC website to provide new options on how to improve mask fit,” Walensky said. The new options include wearing a mask with a moldable nose wire or wearing a cloth mask over a surgical mask.

Ann Mapes is a Michigan senior who didn’t need to show identification, she was just asked to roll up her sleeve. We have to make the system work for everybody.”READ: Tracking COVID-19 cases, deaths by Michigan countyThe only local county leader to speak with the Local 4 Defenders was Macomb County executive Mark Hackel. Macomb County has 165,000 people over the age of 65. Gretchen Whitmer opened the state to Phase 1B to include more people, the number of Macomb County Reisdents eligible to be vaccinated jumped to 265,000. The state sent Macomb County 7,200 doses this week -- enough to last the county two days, Hackel said.

DETROIT – The FDA’s vaccine advisory committee spoke at length about the ethics of what should happen to those that took the placebo in Pfizer’s vaccine trial. RELATED: Michigan plans for COVID-19 vaccine: What to expect nextShould they now be permitted to get the actual vaccine? Local 4 assignment editor Matt Triplett said he’s ecstatic that Pfizer’s vaccine will soon be available for the first groups of high-priority Americans. Essentially, everyone in the trial is vaccinated again with those who got the placebo the first time getting the vaccine and vice-versa. It doesn’t just impact Pfizer’s trial.

FRASER, Mich. – At a time when numerous school districts are reversing course and pulling what students from in-person learning, the Fraser Public Schools Administration is doing the opposite. Fraser Public Schools Administration has a target date of Nov. 30 to bring back as much as 70% of its 5,000 students. Wright Lassiter spoke about the importance of following COVID-19 safety protocols during a virtual panel conversation among Michigan hospital leaders. “In the Henry Ford system, our Henry Ford Macomb Hospital has the highest volume by far. It has twice the inpatient volume that Henry Ford Hospital has, and Henry Ford Hospital has more than two times the number of beds that exist in Henry Ford Macomb Hospital.”Read more here.

Saturday’s update brought 1,522 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, the highest daily count since April 7. The weekly average of daily new COVID-19 cases hit 1,020 -- the highest since April 17. Six states -- including Ohio -- had record breaking single-day increases of cases, leading to new fears that we may be at the beginning of a second wave. “We are all deeply afraid that this is the beginning of that dreaded second wave.”A second wave of COVID-19 is already happening in Europe. The warning of a second wave comes a day after health officials reported the highest number of new COVID-19 cases in nearly two months.

The study found that 31 percent of people in the region wore glasses regularly, but only 6 percent of those in the hospital needed to wear glasses every day. If wearing glasses was not related to being hospitalized for COVID-19, you’d expect to find 31 percent of the patients to be people who wore glasses, but the researchers found only 6 percent of the patients wore glasses more than 8 hours a day -- far fewer than expected. Incidentally, none of the patients wore contact lenses or had refractive surgery. The study was purely observational and doesn’t state wearing glasses decreases the chance of being hospitalized with COVID-19, but it’s plausible glasses could be protective in decreasing the amount of virus a person is exposed to. People who think they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider immediately.

DETROIT, Mich. – Nina Lewellen is a healthy mother of two who said she was cautious about the coronavirus this spring. But in June, as the stay-at-home order was lifted and things started to relax, so did Lewellen. “My mom really kind of started with like a little cough. Lewellen’s mom was hospitalized and tested positive. Kids do spread it.”Two months later, Lewellen’s mother is still recovering.

His symptoms forced him to stay home from his work as a cashier, which for him was unusual. And for me to call off work is not normal.A week later, he was taken to a hospital on April 8. He said he was worried he would have to spend the rest of his life in a hospital. After more than 100 days in the hospital, Janiga is on the mend while repairing his relationship with his daughter, Annabell Fisk. His fifth anniversary at the Big Lots store is in September and his 20th with the company is in October.

DETROIT Warm weather across the country is driving people to the comfort of indoor air conditioning -- but some were wondering if it was a good idea amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. A detailed investigation concluded that the virus was most likely spread to distant tables by the flow of air from the air conditioner. One important concern is that air conditioning systems could either blow the aerosol more quickly from an infected person to nearby people or by recirculating the air, could spread virus even farther. High efficiency HEPA filtration systems would trap infectious particles in the air stream, specific wavelengths of ultraviolet lights embedded in the duct work or near air registers could kill virus, and finally existing systems could be redesigned to bring in fresh uncirculated outdoor air to dilute any infectious particles in the air. Whether its summer or winter -- all businesses and schools should begin to consider how they can efficiently improve indoor air quality.

While medical staff are working to save lives from COVID-19, its the contact tracers who can actually stop the spread. Benoit worked as a community health analyst until March, when she was reassigned to be a contact tracer. When tracers are unable to reach close contacts, she said it can be upsetting. Right now, were seeing that those situations are where most of our close contacts are coming from, Benoit said. We truly truly care about the health and well-being of the people that were contacting, Benoit said.

Several Republican lawmakers have blamed the spike in cases on protesters. Republican Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimnez said last week that protests obviously have a lot to do with the spike in Miami. that really spreads the virus.So did protests lead to spike in virus cases? But that didnt happen in many cities with the largest protests, including New York, Chicago, Minneapolis, and Washington, D.C.A paper released by the National Bureau of Economic Research says no, the 300-city protests have not led to a spike in coronavirus cases. Its hard for health officials to pinpoint one exact cause for the recent spike in cases.

DETROIT – Michigan has officially surpassed one million total tests, according to data from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. As of June 20, Michigan reported 1,065,902 total tests -- 923,961 diagnostic tests and 141,941 serology (anti-body) tests. On April 21, Michigan reported 121,298 total tests, which was the 11th most total tests in the U.S. But when compared to tests per 1 million (population), Michigan was 25th, with 12,182 tests at that rate. Now, as of June 22, Michigan ranks 12th in testing rate and 7th in total tests in the U.S., according to WorldOMeters.

Florida and Arizona both set new records in daily increases of coronavirus (COVID-19) in their states, according to data released Thursday. Florida has shattered its previous record for the number of coronavirus cases recorded in a day. The Florida Department of Health on Thursday reported 85,926 coronavirus cases statewide, a daily jump of 3,207 cases, the largest daily increase since the start of the pandemic in March. The Arizona Department of Health Services reported 2,519 additional cases as of Wednesday and 32 new deaths. The increases in cases reported Thursday broke a record daily high increase of 2,392 reported Tuesday.

PHOENIX – For the second time, Arizona is activating its hospital emergency plan as cases of COVID-19 continue to increase in the state following implementation of their reopening plan. Doug Ducey’s stay-at-home order expired on May 15, COVID-19 cases have soared 110 percent - more than doubling to 27,678, as of Monday, according to NBC affiliate KPNX. The governor said last week that an increase in cases was due to an increase in testing. But ICU and ventilator use are rising in state hospitals. Worldwide, more than 400,000 have died from COVID-19, according to Johns Hopkins University, including 110,000 in the U.S.

DETROIT Michigans biggest political event of the year, the Mackinac Policy Conference, is officially cancelled due to the ongoing pandemic. The Detroit Regional Chamber announced Tuesday it will not convene groups of 50 or more people for the rest of 2020. Earlier this year, the Chamber rescheduled to annual conference for August, but it has not been fully cancelled. It draws the biggest political and business leaders in the state. Just like everybody else, we will find new ways to execute our traditional role, the Chamber said in an email.

Gretchen Whitmer signed an Executive Order on Tuesday to expand testing for coronavirus (COVID-19) across the state. states that anyone who leaves their home for work, or has symptoms of COVID-19 (even mild symptoms), may receive a test at a community testing location without securing a doctor’s order in advance. Medical personnel will be available to order testing upon arrival. A person who wishes to be tested may call the Michigan coronavirus hotline at 1-888-535-6136 or visit www.michigan.gov/coronavirustest to find an appropriate testing location. “This Executive Order will pave the way for more community testing sites to open as we work towards our goal of 15,000 tests administered daily in Michigan.

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. Health officials in Grand Traverse County say that two people visiting the area from out-of-state have tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19). The Grand Traverse County Health Department says the two were visiting family this weekend. Both travelers were symptomatic and one has been hospitalized, according to Traverse City Ticker. The Grand Traverse area was included in the first batch of regions reopening in the state, which started last Friday. As of Sunday, Grand Traverse County reported 23 total COVID-19 cases, and five total deaths.

DETROIT Michigan Gov. Whitmer announced Thursday that she is partially reopening businesses and lifting medical restrictions across the entire state. READ: Michigan Gov. Whitmer partially reopens businesses, lifts medical restrictions statewidePeople are now allowed to gather in groups of up to 10 people. Whitmers reopening planWatch the video above for the full story.

DETROIT Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmers plan to mitigate the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) requires people to be very conscious of how they spend their time. May 21, 2020 -- Michigan coronavirus (COVID-19) cases up to 53,510; Death toll now at 5,129Michiganders are asked to stay home as much as possible -- but a new order issued on Thursday gives people more latitude. READ: Michigan Gov. Whitmer partially reopens businesses, lifts medical restrictions statewideDentistry has always been excellent in maintaining sterility and cleanliness in our practices, Kosinski said.

DETROIT The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has previously given safety guidance to places of worship with precautions like not sharing hymnals, avoiding choirs and limiting attendance. The CDC released a 60 page document on Tuesday night. MORE: Several Michigan churches and parishes to reopen after pandemic hiatusIt discusses the reopening of schools, businesses and a variety of other best practices. READ: Public mass resumes after stopping due to coronavirus (COVID-19)Theres concern about the CDCs omission of places of worship in the official guidance. Some believe it could stem from the CDC wanting to stay out of the fray of constitutional issues.

SYLVANIA, Ohio Michigan is still under a stay-at-home order, but across the border in Ohio a similar order is starting to loosen restrictions. READ: Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says gatherings of 10 people could be allowed on May 28After weeks of being shut down to mitigate the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) Ohio is slowly reopening the states economy. Local 4s Kim DeGiulio is across the border in Sylvania, Ohio. Watch the video above for the full reportREAD: Governor: Ohio child care, camps, pools to reopen this monthIn Michigan, Gov.

DETROIT – Michigan residents are required to wear masks in public places, such as grocery stores, under Gov. READ: Michigan residents now required to wear masks in public places under revised stay-at-home orderThere is still a debate over wearing a face mask in a public place. A man in Holly wiped his nose on a grocery store worker because she asked him to wear a mask. Local 4 did a Facebook poll to see who is wearing a face mask and who is not -- and why. More than 27,000 participated in the poll and 78 percent said they wear a mask.

DETROIT – There is a syndrome affecting some children that appears to be linked to coronavirus (COVID-19). The syndrome is rare, but doctors are seeing it in some children in Michigan. READ: Experts concerned about rare, devastating coronavirus (COVID-19) complications in childrenThere have been 85 reported cases in New York state. It may appear several weeks after the initial infection -- even in children who never showed symptoms for coronavirus. READ: Deadly mystery illness that could be linked to COVID-19 killed New York children, similar cases reported in other countries

Rare syndrome affecting children appears to be linked to coronavirus (COVID-19)Published: May 14, 2020, 4:17 pmThere is a syndrome affecting some children that appears to be linked to coronavirus (COVID-19). It’s being blamed for at least three deaths in New York and one in England.

GENEVA (AP) – The World Health Organization chief warned Monday that “the worst is yet ahead of us” in the coronavirus outbreak, reviving the alarm just as many countries ease restrictive measures aimed at reducing its spread. He and others, however, have previously pointed to the likely future spread of the illness through Africa, where health systems are far less developed. The worst is yet ahead of us,” Tedros told reporters from WHO headquarters in Geneva. Among other things, Trump insisted WHO had failed to adequately share “in a timely and transparent” way information about the outbreak after it erupted in China late last year. It’s a health issue.”“This virus is dangerous.

DETROIT – This article first appeared in the Morning Report Newsletter. Sign up for it right here. It’s going to be a very busy week, as we move into the sixth week of the coronavirus crisis here in Michigan - and around the country. Here are some things to watch for this week:Some other headlines:The latest headlines, 24/7: Find the latest Coronavirus news here.

DETROIT – In the last several weeks, many false or misleading theories have surfaced on social media about coronavirus, and the response to coronavirus. This idea is one of the biggest drivers that sparked a massive protest in Lansing on Wednesday. “If COVID–19 played a role in the death, this condition should be specified on the death certificate. It won’t be a signature, but “President Donald J. Trump” will be printed on the fronts of the checks, the Treasury official confirmed. That has since been picked up by the internet, and it’s now being reported that Ibuprofen is dangerous with a coronavirus infection.

NOVI, Mich. Julie Cox might have a viral rap hit on her hands at the age of 78. The kids thought it was cool and called it rap, so we did it, Cox said. When COVID-19 hit, Cox go out her pen and paper. Quarantined in her room at Brookdale Senior Living, it took her eight hours to write the catchy lyrics. She recorded the soon-to-be-hit in the community room at Brookdale Novi with a staff member suited up, standing more than six feet away.

Some could have occurred days or weeks earlier but they were added to the official count after death certificates were matched to a registry of confirmed coronavirus cases, the state health department said. “It appears from current COVID-19 cases and modeling that the curve is significantly flattening,” university spokeswoman Mary Masson said. Separately, Mayor Mike Duggan reported seven more deaths among Detroit nursing home residents, raising the city’s total to at least 18. About 27% of Michigan’s coronavirus cases and 25% of deaths were Detroit residents. TESTINGThe state health department expanded the priority testing list to people who are allowed to work in person under Whitmer’s stay-home measure.

RIVERVIEW, Mich. – Rivergate Terrace Nursing Home in Riverview is a massive rehabilitation home that has become a COVID-19 hot spot. Officials with the nursing home have confirmed seven residents have died and many more testing positive for COVID-19. As we received notification of each positive test, any resident who was known to have contact with the resident who tested positive was immediately isolated. Three of the 21 residents who tested positive have returned to our facility and are under the isolated care of our facility associates. We have been and will continue to follow all CMS, CDC and state and local health department guidelines concerning COVID-19.

Gretchen Whitmer and other leaders answered questions on every aspect of the coronavirus pandemic, from hospital preparedness to unemployment benefits to school closures. Watch ‘The Governor’s Town Hall’ above. For the first time, commercial and public television stations in the Detroit market partnered to produce and broadcast a “Governor’s Town Hall” to provide viewers the opportunity to ask questions of Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer during this time of crisis. The Town Hall was broadcast live, on Thursday, April 2, 2020 from 7 to 8 p.m. on channels 4 (WDIV-TV), 2 (WJBK-TV), 7 (WXYZ-TV), 20 (WMYD-TV), 50 (WKBD-TV), 56 (WTVS-TV) and 62 (WWJ-TV). This special was offered to all broadcast stations in Michigan, in partnership with the Michigan Association of Broadcasters and Michigan Association of Public Broadcasters.

Please join WDIV-Local 4 for an important, LIVE event Thursday evening full of life-saving information -- “The Governor’s Town Hall.”If you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566.

DETROIT – Please join WDIV-Local 4 for an important, LIVE event Thursday evening full of life-saving information -- “The Governor’s Town Hall.”Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and other leaders will answer questions on every aspect of the coronavirus pandemic, from hospital preparedness to unemployment benefits to school closures. Watch ‘The Governor’s Town Hall’ at 7 p.m. on Local 4 or below:Find the latest Coronavirus news and headlines on ClickOnDetroit. The Town Hall will be broadcast live, on Thursday, April 2, 2020 from 7 to 8 p.m. on channels 4 (WDIV-TV), 2 (WJBK-TV), 7 (WXYZ-TV), 20 (WMYD-TV), 50 (WKBD-TV), 56 (WTVS-TV) and 62 (WWJ-TV). This special will be offered to all broadcast stations in Michigan, in partnership with the Michigan Association of Broadcasters and Michigan Association of Public Broadcasters.

DETROIT – Henry Ford Health System will launch the first large-scale U.S. study to determine a drug’s effectiveness in preventing coronavirus (COVID-19). The study of hydroxychloroquine used prophylactically could begin as early as next week, according to Henry Ford. Dr. Marcus Zervos, division head of Infectious Disease for Henry Ford Health System, will oversee this study with Dr. O’Neill. The study medication was specially procured for this study and will not impact the supply of medication for people who already take the medication for other conditions. Henry Ford Health System is poised to do anything we can to help them stay safe.” ​The FDA will provide the drug directly to Henry Ford Health System physicians to distribute.

Cases are continuing to rise in Michigan and in states around the U.S., but that doesn’t mean distancing measures aren’t working. The positive tests we’re seeing right now were most likely contracted before serious distancing measures were put in place. This is called “flattening the curve.”But it could be multiple weeks before governments can definitively know if distancing measures are working or not. It is crucial that people do the right thing by staying home and staying safe.”Why can’t we just isolate patients? “But we don’t know, technically, where they are.

DETROIT – Michigan reported an additional 45 coronavirus (COVID-19) cases on Wednesday, bringing the state’s total to 110. The state reported 15 new cases Wednesday afternoon before saying there were at least 30 new cases during a press conference. That number will include cases reported through midnight the previous day. Eight days ago, on March 10, Michigan confirmed its first two COVID-19 cases. Drivers were lined up Wednesday morning for drive-thru coronavirus (COVID-19) testing outside Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak.

DETROIT – Michigan reported an additional 11 coronavirus (COVID-19) cases on Tuesday, bringing the state’s total to 65. Of the 65 total cases, 38 percent are hospitalized, and 28 percent are between the ages of 60-69. Related: Confirmed places where Metro Detroit COVID-19 patients have worked, attended school, livedThe Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced a change in the way it reports coronavirus cases earlier this week. Related: Wayne County discloses first potential coronavirus exposure site: AMC Fairlane 21One week ago, on March 10, Michigan confirmed its first two COVID-19 cases. MORE: Beaumont Health launches coronavirus hotline for patients with symptomsPeople who think they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider immediately.

All of the deaths have occurred in Washington state, and most were residents of a nursing home in suburban Seattle. The number of cases in the U.S. overall climbed past 100 scattered across at least 14 states, with 27 in Washington. On Capitol Hill, lawmakers expressed skepticism about U.S. health officials' claims that testing for the new virus should be widely available by the end of the week. But health officials were careful about making hard promises. In Washington state, researchers believe the virus may have been circulating undetected for weeks.