Michigan’s coronavirus spread is now the worst in the country as of Friday, as the state’s daily case counts and infection rate continue to rise, according to recent data.

LANSING, Mich. – A group of bipartisan governors from states across the Midwest are urging people to do their part to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 this holiday season. As of Monday, the number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in Michigan had risen to 437,985 -- and 10,752 deaths had been reported, according to state officials. Tony Evers released a video on social media pushing for residents to be safe as we head into the holiday season. If you are planning to travel or gather with other households for the holidays – we urge you to reconsider. Bipartisan Governors from Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Minnesota, Ohio, and WisconsinThe group of governors released a similar video before Thanksgiving asking families to reconsider traveling for the holiday.

Covid Act Now has even labeled this virus surge as the country’s “third wave” of the coronavirus. A screenshot of Covid Act Now's map of all U.S. counties color-coded according to their "Covid Risk Level." Michigan is labeled as experiencing an "active or imminent" COVID outbreak, according to data from Covid Act Now. Most of the country is at "severe risk" for a COVID-19 outbreak (maroon), or is currently experiencing an "active or imminent" COVID-19 outbreak (red). (Covid Act Now) -- Nov. 28, 2020 (Covid Act Now)With holiday season upon us, experts are urging Americans not to travel and not to celebrate with anyone outside of their immediate household in an effort to slow the spread of coronavirus.

DETROIT – As COVID-19 cases climb rapidly across Michigan, Metro Detroit counties are among those struggling to contain coronavirus spread. County leaders didn’t appreciate being called out, but the numbers don’t lie -- coronavirus is spreading more rapidly in Oakland and Macomb counties. In Oakland County, Executive Dave Coulter says they are ready to roll out a new coronavirus response plan. Finger-pointing aside, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is treating Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties as one “region”. The Detroit Region is comprised of Genessee, Lapeer, St. Clair, Livingston, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, Wayne and Monroe counties.

YPSILANTI, Mich. – The Washtenaw County Health Department has listed a local fraternal organization as a potential coronavirus exposure site after a number of individuals who attended recent events tested positive for the virus. Anyone who visited the Ypsilanti Fraternal Order of Eagles #2250 between October 31 and November 10 should self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms, which can develop up to 14 days after exposure to the virus. Individuals who exhibit symptoms should get tested for COVID-19 and self-quarantine while awaiting results to prevent the spread of the virus. How easily the virus spreadsHow 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.

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – Students at Lawrence Technological University will switch to online instruction next week due to increasing coronavirus spread, officials said. Lawrence Tech announced Wednesday that the university will move to remote instruction beginning Nov. 16 as COVID-19 cases climb throughout the state of Michigan. According to the university’s website, Lawrence Tech currently has eight active “residential” COVID-19 cases, 14 overall active cases, 62 “residential” individuals in active quarantine and overall 132 individuals in active quarantine, as of Nov. 11. Regions throughout the state of Michigan are experiencing a surge in coronavirus spread and confirmed COVID-19 cases. On Wednesday, the state reported 6,008 new COVID-19 cases and 42 new deaths since Tuesday.

GROSSE POINTE, Mich. – All students within the Grosse Pointe Public School System (GPPSS) are returning to remote learning next week as coronavirus spread worsens among the community. Students receiving special education programs and services will also switch to a virtual instruction on Monday. Superintendent Gary C. Niehaus says that, similarly to other districts, Grosse Pointe schools are facing staffing issues amid rising COVID-19 cases in Michigan, as teachers are forced to quarantine due to coronavirus exposure. Buildings will be open for GPPSS staff to access their classrooms, materials and technology. Click here for a list of COVID-19 cases and their associated schools within the GPPSS community.

The vice president had a shout-out for supporters who braved what he called “this night of tempest, to stand in the rain and stand firm” for Trump. He and first lady Melania Trump wrapped up the busy weekend by hosting costumed children for a socially distanced Halloween trick-or-treating on the White House grounds. “It’s one standard for the vice president and another for all the rest of us," Gostin said. Trump, campaigning in Londonderry, New Hampshire, said the rising rate of infections was nothing to be concerned about. We are going to control the fact that we get vaccines, therapeutics and other mitigation areas,” Meadows said on CNN.

Experts recommend that at least 90 percent of new COVID-19 cases are traced within 48 hours to contain the virus. A majority of Michigan counties are considered at a “medium” risk for a COVID-19 outbreak, according to the data. A screenshot of Covid Act Now's map of the United States and colored according to their "Covid Risk Level." Michigan is now labeled at "high risk" for virus spread, according to data from Covid Act Now. Most of the country is at "high" risk for a COVID-19 outbreak, or is currently experiencing or facing an imminent outbreak.

DETROIT Does the coronavirus (COVID-19) typically spread by touching surfaces, or is it just person-to-person contact? Health officials clarified the main way the virus spreads after modifying their stance. The SARS-CoV-2 virus and COVID-19 infection are primarily respiratory problems, but when someone coughs or sneezes, infected droplets are expelled and land on nearby surfaces. If someone touches those surfaces, the virus can be picked up on hands and infect someone who then touches their face. Person-to-person spread has always been considered the main way the virus spreads.