Michigan coronavirus (COVID-19) cases up to 7,615; Death toll rises to 259

DETROIT – The number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Michigan has risen to 7,615 as of Tuesday, including 259 deaths, state officials report.

READ: Experts project aggressive social distancing could drastically reduce Michigan COVID-19 cases by May

Tuesday’s total represents an increase of 1,117 cases and 75 deaths, the biggest single-day jump so far in the states. Monday’s total was 6,498 confirmed cases and 184 deaths.

Ford postpones restarting North American plants

Ford Motor Company announced Tuesday it is delaying the restart of production at its North American plants in a move to further protect workers from the coronavirus.

The company had been aiming to restart production April 6 at Hermosillo Assembly Plant and April 14 at several key U.S. plants, including several in Metro Detroit. Now, the startup dates will have to be announced at a later time as the virus continues to spread throughout the continent.

Grocery store hiring 100

Nino Salvaggio International Marketplace is seeking to fill 100 part-time, full-time and temporary positions to meet increased customer needs.

Openings are available at all four store locations in Troy, Clinton Township, St. Clair Shores and Bloomfield Township. On March 16, the gourmet grocer says it began paying all associates an additional $2 per hour over their regular rate. The higher wage, which is slated to remain in place for a total of four weeks, is being given to all part-time, full-time and temporary associates, including new hires and those currently employed at Nino Salvaggio.

Applications can be submitted online at www.NinoSalvaggio.com.

GM: First 20,000 masks expected to be delivered by April 8

By next week, GM expects to deliver its first 20,000 masks to frontline workers, the automaker announced Tuesday.

GM says it launched a “rapid-response” project to produce masks at scale on Friday, March 20 amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Seven days later, the team had produced their first sample on the new production line. When at full capicity, GM said it expects to delivering about 1.5 million masks each month.

Carhartt shifts production, plans to produce 2.5M masks, 50,000 gowns for hospitals

Dearborn-based Carhartt says it will shift production to produce masks and gowns for hospitals in need during the coronavirus pandemic.

On Monday, April 6, Carhartt says it will begin producing 50,000 medical gowns, and on April 20, the company will begin manufacturing 2.5 million masks.

Michigan lawmaker asks governor to allow more businesses to operate

A Michigan lawmaker is asking the governor to allow more nonessential businesses to operate during the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. Rep. Triston Cole, of Mancelona, said more businesses can resume operations as long as safe social distancing recommendations are followed. Cole sent a letter to Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, saying her stay-at-home order is unnecessarily restrictive on many small businesses. He named construction and landscaping as businesses that could safely resume.

“I certainly understand where our governor is coming from," Cole said. "Public safety must always be the main priority. However, keeping people employed and businesses operating must also be a priority. Many entities operate with just one, two or three people in any location at any given time. Single-family new construction projects, remodels, pole barn/garages, landscaping, dock work, lawn maintenance, delivery of materials, and several other jobs can be completed with very limited social interaction and without jeopardizing public safety.”

Here’s what happened Monday:

Whitmer to extend school closures

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is expected to close schools for the remainder of the school year due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Whitmer is expected to sign an Executive Order this week extending school closures through the end of the school year. Seniors who are on track to graduate will graduate.

No summer school is anticipated to make up for missed time. Remote learning is expected to continue.

Unemployment benefits expanded

Whitmer expanded unemployment benefits to the self-employed and others.

The new order grants benefits to workers who don’t already qualify for unemployment aid, including those who are self-employed, independent contractors and low-wage workers who can’t work because of the pandemic.

The agreement also increases weekly benefits for all unemployed workers by $600.

Death toll rises to 184

The number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Michigan has risen to 6,498 as of Saturday, including 184 deaths, state officials report.

That number is up from 5,524 confirmed cases and 132 deaths Sunday.

President approves request for National Guard

President Donald Trump approved Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s request for federal funding to use the state’s National Guard in the battle against coronavirus (COVID-19) on Monday.

The president authorized the use of Guard members under Title 32, United States Code, specifically 502(f). This will allow 3,000 members of the Michigan Army and Air National Guard to be allocated humanitarian missions for up to 90 days.

Ford to make 50,000 ventilators in 100 days

Ford Motor Co. is partnering with General Electric to make 50,000 ventilators within the next 100 days to help with the fight against coronavirus (COVID-19) in Michigan.

The automaker will leverage the design of Airon Corp.’s FDA-cleared ventilators. After the initial 50,000 ventilators, Ford will be able to produce 30,000 a month as needed.

Oakland County to issue no foreclosure notices

Oakland County will not issue any residential or business foreclosure notices through the end of 2020.

Tuesday is the deadline to pay property taxes in Oakland County. Failure to pay would have resulted in a home or building foreclosure

AG answers Executive Order questions

Attorney General Dana Nessel has been answering some of the questions her office has received about coronavirus (COVID-19) in Michigan and Executive Orders related to the pandemic.

She addressed some of the questions her office has gotten via email and social media in a video.

Explore Michigan virtually

How about some good news?

While you are social distancing, you can explore Michigan virtually.

The #VirtualPureMichigan campaign will include live cameras showing places such as Traverse City, Holland and Frankenmuth, as well as virtual tours of museums, and other related educational experiences.

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?

• Spread is possible before people show symptoms. People who are not showing symptoms can still be carrying the virus and can still pass it on to other people.

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 and 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.