Michigan coronavirus (COVID-19) cases up to 29,263; Death toll now at 2,093
DETROIT – The number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Michigan has risen to 29,263 as of Thursday, including 2,093 deaths, state officials report.
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Wednesday’s total was 28,059 confirmed cases and 1,921 deaths.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said on Monday that the state's case curve appears to be flattening, but that it's too early to ease up on social distancing measures.
Michigan chief medical officer Dr. Joneigh Khaldun said despite the reductions in the growth of cases, there are still many cases and deaths every day, noting that some areas of the state are seeing increases.
Whitmer, Midwest governors partner on plan to reopen regional economy
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is partnering with governors in the Midwest on a plan to reopen the region’s economy amid the coronavirus outbreak.
Governors Gretchen Whitmer (MI), Mike DeWine (OH), Tony Evers (WI), Tim Walz (MN), JB Pritzker (IL), Eric Holcomb (IN), and Andy Beshear (KY) announced that they will work in close coordination to reopen the economy in the Midwest region. Read their joint statement here.
Watch tonight: Michigan Senators hold town hall on coronavirus response
Michigan Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters will participate in a coronavirus (COVID-19) town hall Thursday, April 16.
- The town is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday.
Did Michigan ban gardening? Debunking 4 coronavirus claims spread on social media
In the last several weeks, many false or misleading theories have surfaced on social media about coronavirus, and the response to coronavirus.
We’re taking a look at some of these messages circulating the internet, to see if there’s any credible information available to support it -- or to debunk it.
Michigan banned sales on seeds, gardening, American flags.
This is false. Read more here.
Oakland County launches first drive-up COVID-19 testing site
Oakland County is opening its first drive-thru COVID-19 testing site Thursday at the county’s main campus in Pontiac.
Testing will begin at 9 a.m. Thursday for first responders, essential or critical infrastructure employees, adults age 65 or older, those with underlying conditions and residents of Pontiac.
The tests are by appointment-only and made through the Health Division’s Nurse on Call hotline, 800-848-5533. It is expected the Health Division will perform between 50-100 tests on Thursday and Friday.
The number will increase to 250 tests Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where to go: Oakland County Complex, 1200 N. Telegraph Road, Pontiac. Drive-thru testing will take place in the parking lot behind the Oakland County Medical Examiner’s Office, Building 28E, on County Center Drive E.
Henry Ford Health: 1,317 COVID-19 patients discharged in last 30 days
Officials at Henry Ford Health System report 1,317 coronavirus (COVID-19) patients have been discharged over the last month, while 617 others remain hospitalized.
As of 10 a.m. Thursday, an additional 43 patients have been released since Wednesday morning.
Michigan’s annual National Cherry Festival canceled for 2020 amid coronavirus
Meanwhile, the National Cherry Festival is pushing its annual event in Traverse City to July 2021, due to coronavirus concerns. The annual festival is normally held in late June, into early July, and it includes musical performances, family activities and - of course - cherries.
PGA Tour: Detroit’s Rocket Mortgage Classic scheduled for July
The PGA Tour announced Thursday that this year’s Rocket Mortgage Classic a the Detroit Golf Club is scheduled for July 2-5.
The PGA said it plans to resume 2020 play with the first four events, including the Rocket Mortgage Classic, closed to the general public but will continue to monitor the situation and follow the recommendations of local and state authorities in order to determine the most appropriate on-site access in each market.
Detroit Police Chief James Craig says he is recovered from COVID-19
Detroit Police Chief James Craig said Thursday that he is recovered from the coronavirus (COVID-19).
Craig said in a statement to Local 4 that he underwent a test on Wednesday and the result has returned negative for COVID-19.
Mayor Mike Duggan announced that the chief had the virus back on March 27. Craig has been recovering at home since. However, Duggan has repeated that the chief has remained in control of Detroit Police Department operations throughout his recovery.
Here’s what happened Wednesday:
Beaumont Wayne Hospital temporarily closes
Beaumont Wayne currently has no patients, the hospital system announced Wednesday.
MORE: Michigan representatives condemn temporary closure of Beaumont Wayne
According to officials, the remaining coronavirus (COVID-19) patients were discharged or transferred to other hospitals Tuesday.
Northern Michigan sheriffs say they won’t strictly enforce Executive Orders
Several sheriffs in northern Michigan voiced their opposition of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s coronavirus (COVID-19) Executive Orders, saying they won’t strictly enforce them.
VIEW: A timeline of closures, event bans, stay-at-home orders
Sheriffs in Leelanau, Benzie, Manistee and Mason counties released a statement Wednesday regarding orders issued by the governor.
Gov. Whitmer stands by stay-at-home order despite large protest in Lansing
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is standing by her coronavirus (COVID-19) stay-at-home order despite thousands of protesters rallying for hours in the state’s capital.
“Operation Gridlock” lived up to its name Wednesday, as the rally made national headlines and left traffic backed up for about a mile. The car horns didn’t stop blaring after they started around 10 a.m. Wednesday.
35% of Detroit nursing home resident tests are COVID-19 positive
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan said Wednesday that of the nursing home residents who have been tested for coronavirus (COVID-19), 35 percent have the virus.
“We have a crisis in the nursing homes. I know it’s true around the country,” Duggan said.
Death toll reaches 1,921
The number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Michigan has risen to 28,059 as of Wednesday, including 1,921 deaths, state officials report.
That number is up from 27,001 confirmed cases and 1,768 deaths Tuesday.
The official recovery rate is 433.
DMC furloughs 480 staff members
The Detroit Medical Center (DMC) announced Wednesday it is furloughing 480 staff members as it works to divert additional resources to its COVID-19 care.
Audrey Gregory, COO of DMC, said they are reducing costs, and hours worked, and implementing furloughs of certain jobs as part of steps to divert additional resources to COVID-19 care and other urgent medical procedures that cannot be deferred.
Bars petition for executive order allowing carry-out cocktails, to-go alcohol
Owners of almost 30 bars and hospitality groups around Michigan have joined forces to petition Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Liquor Control Commission to allow the temporary sale of carry-out cocktails and other drinks.
IRS launches ‘Get My Payment’ website
The IRS has launched a “Get My Payment” website to help people track the status of their coronavirus stimulus payment.
- Qualifying adults should expect to receive $1,200 each -- that’s $2,400 for married couples. Families receive $500 for each child in a household.
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.