GRAND RAPIDS, Mich — Here is the latest information on the coronavirus in Michigan, including the number of cases state officials report and other updates affecting West Michigan.
Friday cases
State total: 12,744 Death total: 479
State health officials reported 1,953 new COVID-19 cases in Friday's 3 p.m. update. This brings Michigan's total to 12,744.
There were 62 deaths recorded; the death toll has reached 479. The age range on the deaths goes from the youngest victim of 20 years old to the oldest victim being 107 years old.
There are 187 cases within the Michigan Department of Corrections.
The state also started reporting the breakdown of cases by race. This data shows 35% of cases are black or African people, 20% are Caucasian, 35% are unknown and small percentages are Asian or Pacific Islander or multiple races.
Testing data also shows that the state has tested nearly 38,000 specimens and about 9,770 of those were positive. Not every specimen represents a patient, as some specimens are tested multiple times.
The state emphasizes that the report of cumulative data is "provisional and subject to change. As public health investigations of individual cases continue, there will be corrections to the status and details of referred cases that result in changes to this report." The state is also no longer reporting new cases by county.
At this point, the state has not started reporting the number of recovered cases yet.
5 cases of COVID-19 reported at Kent County Juvenile Detention Center
Three staff members and two residents at the Kent County Juvenile Detention center have tested positive for COVID-19.
A member of the Health Department surveillance team is working with patients to identify individuals who may have been exposed for a prolonged period of time.
Spectrum Health to accept COVID-19 patients from southeast Michigan
Spectrum Health will be accepting COVID-19 patients from southeast Michigan, where the virus has overwhelmed hospitals and healthcare facilities.
The patients will be treated at Spectrum Health Butterworth and Blodgett, both in Grand Rapids.
High school sports canceled
The Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) has canceled the remainder of the 2019-20 winter and spring sports seasons.
This will be the first school year to not see MHSAA Finals played in multiple sports since 1942-43, when World War II led to the elimination of finals in most sports.
Because the five winter sports were not able to conclude with finals, no champions will be awarded in those sports for 2019-20.
Amazon employee at Gaines Township facility tests positive for COVID-19
An employee of the Amazon distribution center in Gaines Township tested positive for COVID-19, the company confirmed Friday.
"We are supporting the individual who is recovering. We are following guidelines from health officials and medical experts, and are taking extreme measures to ensure the safety of employees at our site," said Timothy Carter, Amazon spokesperson.
Whitmer order protects workers who stay home if they've come into contact with a positive case of COVID-19
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive order Friday that prohibits employers from disciplining or retaliating against an employee who stays home from work because one of their close contacts of family members has tested positive for COVID-19.
This strengthens the stay at home order to make it public policy that anyone who tests positive, shows symptoms or lives with someone who tests positive or shows symptoms should not leave their homes unless absolutely necessary.
DNR: Crowded beaches and parks could cause closures
The DNR has reduced amenities at its parks and recreation areas. Things like playgrounds, campgrounds, fishing piers, disk golf courses, are off limits right now.
So far, the DNR has only closed the Tippy Dam Recreation Area, in Manistee. But that could become a similar story at other state parks if people continue to crowd popular areas, like fishing and biking spots, and ignore social distancing rules.
Health department can now fine $1,000 for noncompliance of stay at home order
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has issued an emergency order that will put in place civil fines up to $1,000 for violations of the governor's stay at home order.
Thursday's cases
The state reported 1,457 new cases and 80 new deaths. The total case count is now 10,791 and the death toll has reached 417.
The age range of patients who have died from the virus is 20-107 years old on Thursday. On Wednesday, the youngest patient to die was 25.
The state is also now including the race of those both who have the virus and who have died from the virus. Right now, 40% of people who have died from COVID-19 in Michigan were black or African American people.
At this point, the state has not started reporting the number of recovered cases yet.
State recommendations for COVID-19
Patients with confirmed infection have reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
The best prevention for viruses, such as influenza, the common cold or COVID-19 is to:
- If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19, call your health care provider. If you do not have a health care provider, call the nearest hospital.
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. If not available, use hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or upper sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid contact with people who are sick.
- If you are sick, stay home, and avoid contact with others.
- Stay at least 6 feet away from others when in a public setting.
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