DETROIT – The number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Michigan has risen to 593,279 as of Thursday, including 15,600 deaths, state officials report.
Thursday’s update includes a total of 1,526 new cases and 37 additional deaths, including 29 identified during a Vital Records review. On Wednesday, the state reported 591,753 confirmed cases, including 15,563 deaths.
Recommended Videos
Testing has slowed in the last week, dropping to about 35,000 diagnostic tests reported per day on average, with the 7-day positive rate down below 4.0% as of Wednesday. Hospitalizations have plateaued over the last two weeks.
Michigan’s 7-day moving average for daily cases was 1,113 on Wednesday -- which is up slightly from last week. The 7-day death average was 21 on Wednesday. The state’s fatality rate is 2.6%. The state also reports “active cases,” which were listed at 34,900 on Wednesday -- the lowest it’s been since October. More than 541,000 have recovered in Michigan.
Michigan has reported more than 2.3 million doses of the COVID-19 administered, as of Wednesday.
Michigan COVID-19 vaccinations: How to find appointments, info on phases
VIEW: Tracking Michigan COVID-19 vaccine doses 💉
VIEW: Tracking coronavirus cases, outbreaks in Michigan schools
Michigan to expand COVID-19 vaccine plan to include residents age 50 and older
The state of Michigan will is expanding its COVID-19 vaccine plan to include residents age 50 and older, Local 4 has learned.
Next week
Starting Monday (March 8), any Michigan residents age 50 and up with pre-existing medical conditions or disabilities will be eligible to make an appointment for the COVID-19 vaccine, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said.
Caregiver family members and guardians who care for children with special health care needs will also be eligible to receive the vaccine, starting Monday.
“The more people we can get the safe and effective vaccine, the faster we can return to a sense of normalcy,” Whitmer said. “I urge all eligible Michiganders to get one of the three COVID-19 vaccines to protect you, your family and your community.”
Later this month
On March 22, all Michiganders age 50 and up will become eligible, Local 4 has learned.
More than 40% of Michiganders age 65 and older have been vaccinated, according to the state.
“Over 2.3 million doses of the safe and effective COVID vaccines have been administered in Michigan, and we know more vaccine is coming into the state,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health at MDHHS. “We are pleased to expand eligibility for more people to get vaccinated as we continue to focus on our most vulnerable and those at highest risk of severe illness due to COVID-19.”
Michigan loosens COVID restrictions on restaurants -- here are all the details
The state of Michigan has loosened its COVID-19 restrictions on bars and restaurants, including the capacity limit and nightly curfew.
On Tuesday (March 2), Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced the restrictions on indoor dining have been revised.
Starting Friday (March 5), Michigan restaurants and bars will be allowed to fill up to 50% capacity, with a maximum of 100 people, according to the state.
“I’m proud that we are able to take this positive step without compromising public health,” Whitmer said.
Since Feb. 1, restaurants had been capped at 25% capacity. From mid-November through the end of January, no indoor dining was allowed at bars or restaurants.
Michigan expected to receive 82,700 doses of J&J vaccine this week
The state of Michigan is expected to receive 82,700 doses of the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) COVID-19 vaccine this week.
The J&J vaccine doses are expected in Michigan by Wednesday, a spokeswoman for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) said Monday. These doses will go to health departments and hospitals.
Over the weekend, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine for an emergency use authorization. The J&J one-dose vaccine joins Pfizer and Moderna to give Americans three options. Nearly 4 million doses of the J&J vaccine are expected to start shipping across the U.S. on Monday.
Michigan has reported more than 2 million doses of the COVID-19 administered as of Thursday, Feb. 25.
Macomb County offers new COVID-19 vaccination site for seniors 60 and older
Through a partnership with SMART, Macomb County is offering a new vaccination location in Sterling Heights.
The vaccination site is at the Sterling Heights Senior Center on Utica Road, between Schoenherr and Van Dyke roads.
Appointments are required. Eligible residents and workers can call the SMART Macomb Vaccine line at 586-421-6579.
Wayne County announces new vaccination clinics for seniors
Wayne County announced it will open several vaccination clinics for residents 65 and older.
According to county Executive Warren Evans, the vaccination clinics will begin Feb. 23.
“I’m pleased Wayne County is now in a position to begin vaccinating seniors,” Evans said. “I know everyone is eager to safely get back to normal. Our team is working hard to ensure all of our residents can get their COVID shot as quickly as the vaccine is available.”
There are no walk-up appointments and seniors must make an appointment by calling the number for the site in their communities.
The full list of clinics and how to register can be found here.
COVID vaccine shipments to Michigan delayed amid severe weather
According to Michigan officials, the CDC says Pfizer vaccines were not shipped out at all on Feb. 15 due to inclement weather. A limited quantity of those vaccines will be shipped out this week.
Moderna COVID vaccine shipments were also affected, with no shipments coming out of the Memphis McKesson distribution center on Feb. 15, 16 or 17 due to the weather. Some Moderna vaccine shipments were also halted last week due to weather conditions.
Officials say the CDC is working with the companies to resume distribution operations as soon as possible.
It is currently unclear if any of Michigan’s Moderna vaccine orders will be shipped to the state on Thursday or Friday, Feb. 18. MDHHS officials say more information will be shared once it is known.
The news comes as several COVID-19 vaccination appointments were rescheduled across Michigan this week due to the severe weather conditions.
Michigan Medicine pauses first-dose COVID vaccine appointments for second week due to low supply
For the second straight week, Michigan Medicine has announced it can only provide COVID-19 vaccine appointments to those receiving their second shot due to a limited vaccine supply.
Only those who received their first dose through Michigan Medicine are able to receive their second dose at the health system’s vaccine clinics.
Those who previously received an invitation to make an appointment for their first dose are reminded that the invitation remains open. Michigan Medicine asks those waiting for their first dose to check back next week to see if new appointments are available.
COVID vaccine first-dose appointments expected to delay due to shortage
Michigan didn’t receive the amount of COVID vaccines expected from the federal government, leading the state to take some of the first-dose allocation and shift it to those already scheduled for their second dose.
The decision means that some people who have a first-dose appointment set for next week may be delayed.
“MDHHS with assistance from MING queried local health departments and hospitals regarding need for second dose vaccines. We are addressing any shortages in second doses in the orders we are placing for shipment next week. About 37,300 doses from the ‘first dose’ allocation will need to be used to ensure complete vaccination for individuals who are due a second dose,” said Lynn Sutfin with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
Michigan COVID-19 daily reported cases since Feb. 1:
- Feb. 1 -- 1,033 new cases
- Feb. 2 -- 1,203 new cases
- Feb. 3 -- 1,383 new cases
- Feb. 4 -- 1,358 new cases
- Feb. 5 -- 1,379 new cases
- Feb. 6 -- 1,018 new cases
- Feb. 7 -- 884 new cases
- Feb. 8 -- 885 new cases
- Feb. 9 -- 563 new cases
- Feb. 10 -- 915 new cases
- Feb. 11 -- 1,284 new cases
- Feb. 12 -- 1,193 new cases
- Feb. 13 -- 852 new cases
- Feb. 14 -- 632 new cases
- Feb. 15 -- 633 new cases
- Feb. 16 -- 775 new cases
- Feb. 17 -- 939 new cases
- Feb. 18 -- 888 new cases
- Feb. 19 -- 1,193 new cases
- Feb. 20 -- 635 new cases
- Feb. 21 -- 742 new cases
- Feb. 22 -- 742 new cases
- Feb. 23 -- 1,316 new cases
- Feb. 24 -- 1,245 new cases
- Feb. 25 -- 1,388 new cases
- Feb. 26 -- 1,073 new cases
- Feb. 27 -- 1,156 new cases
- Feb. 28 -- 784 new cases
- March 1 -- 785 new cases
- March 2 -- 1,067 new cases
- March 3 -- 1,536 new cases
- March 4 -- 1,526 new cases
Michigan COVID-19 daily reported deaths since Feb. 1:
- Feb. 1 -- 4 new deaths
- Feb. 2 -- 63 new deaths (36 from vital records)
- Feb. 3 -- 32 new deaths
- Feb. 4 -- 74 new deaths (63 from vital records)
- Feb. 5 -- 19 new deaths
- Feb. 6 -- 97 new deaths (83 from vital records)
- Feb. 7 -- 5 new deaths
- Feb. 8 -- 6 new deaths
- Feb. 9 -- 60 new deaths (30 from vital records)
- Feb. 10 -- 12 new deaths
- Feb. 11 -- 75 new deaths (55 from vital records)
- Feb. 12 -- 10 new deaths
- Feb. 13 -- 88 new deaths (84 from vital records)
- Feb. 14 -- 4 new deaths
- Feb. 15 -- 4 new deaths
- Feb. 16 -- 19 new deaths
- Feb. 17 -- 11 new deaths
- Feb. 18 -- 85 news deaths (72 from vital records)
- Feb. 19 -- 23 new deaths
- Feb. 20 -- 63 new deaths
- Feb. 21 -- 1 new death
- Feb. 22 -- 2 new deaths
- Feb. 23 -- 34 new deaths
- Feb. 24 -- 9 new deaths
- Feb. 25 -- 48 new deaths (30 from vital records)
- Feb. 26 -- 1 new death
- Feb. 27 -- 68 new deaths (62 from vital records)
- Feb. 28 -- 6 new deaths
- March 1 -- 6 new deaths
- March 2 -- 24 new deaths (12 from vital records)
- March 3 -- 5 new deaths
- March 4 -- 37 new deaths (29 from vital records)
Coronavirus resources:
- View more: Michigan COVID-19 data 📊📈
- Question about coronavirus? Ask Dr. McGeorge here.
- More: Return to School updates
🌟 Become an Insider 🌟
Introducing WDIV Insider: A new way for loyal Local 4 fans to gain access and customize your ClickOnDetroit news experience. This new and free membership is our way of saying thank you — and your way of getting in on the news action. WDIV Insiders will gain exclusive access to the Local 4 team and station, including personalized messages, offers and deals to big events, and an elevated voice in our news coverage. Learn more about WDIV Insider - and sign up here!