Coronavirus in Michigan: Here’s where we stand as of Sunday

8 deaths reported

A satellite image of Michigan (NASA)

DETROIT – The number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Michigan broke 800 Saturday, while the death toll rose to eight.

Here’s what happened Saturday:

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Death toll rises to 8

The coronavirus-related death toll in Michigan is now eight.

Four additional deaths were reported Saturday, including a 90-year-old Detroit woman, a a 90-year-old Oakland County woman, a man in his 70s in Grand Rapids, and a 52-year-old Macomb County man.

The state-reported total number of confirmed cases is 807.

MORE: Here’s which Michigan counties have confirmed cases of coronavirus

1-month-old baby has COVID-19

Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel said a 1-month-old baby in the county has coronavirus.

Hackel announced the infant case during a press conference where he also announced the county’s first death, a 52-year-old man.

Hackel also said a 100-year-old has the virus.

Salons, barbershops must close

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed an Executive Order shuttering a number of establishments.

Hair, nail, tanning, massage, spa, tattoo, body art and piercing services, and similar services that require individuals to be within 6 feet of each other have been ordered to close.

Business are expected to remain closed until at least April 14.

7 Detroit police officers have COVID-19

Detroit police Chief James Craig said seven officers have coronavirus while 196 are quarantined.

The number of confirmed cases is up from five on Friday, and 152 officers were previously under quarantine.

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?

  • People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest).
  • Some spread might be possible before people show symptoms; there have been reports of this occurring with this new coronavirus, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

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 & 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.

Read more about coronavirus here.


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