Michigan COVID-19 deaths just shy of 12,600

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan averaged about 3,000 new coronavirus cases a day from Thursday through Saturday, the state health department said.

The state also reported 265 additional deaths from COVID-19, including 211 from days or weeks ago that were confirmed through a records check. Michigan is close to 12,600 deaths since last March.

New Today: Coronavirus in Michigan: Here’s what to know Jan. 3, 2021

More than 71,000 people in the state have received a COVID-19 vaccine and nearly 500 clinics are scheduled in upcoming weeks, said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, the state’s chief medical executive.

“We do expect our case numbers and deaths to come down as the vaccine is distributed to the most vulnerable, those in healthcare facilities,” Khaldun said.

Coronavirus in Michigan

• Looking back at 110 stories that define Gov. Whitmer’s handling of COVID-19 in Michigan this year
• Michigan Gov. Whitmer signs $106M relief bill, extends COVID-19 unemployment benefits through March
• Defiant Michigan UP cafe owner told to shut down after serving indoor diners
• Gov. Whitmer says Michigan’s COVID-19 numbers improving ‘because of actions we’ve taken’
• When can we realistically expect schools to reopen amid pandemic?
• Dearborn Heights Mayor Dan Paletko dies from COVID-19 complications
• Why start of extra $300 weekly unemployment benefits will be delayed in Michigan
• Here are the new COVID-19 vaccine priority phases for distribution in Michigan
• 5 Michigan businesses fined for COVID-19 safety violations -- Here’s what state says they did