Here is the latest information on the coronavirus in Michigan, including the number of cases state officials report and other updates affecting West Michigan.
The state numbers are released everyday at 3 p.m. at michigan.gov/coronavirus.
Tuesday's cases
In the 3 p.m. update, state officials reported 1,749 new cases, bringing the total to 18,970. It's been four weeks since the first COVID-19 cases were reported in Michigan.
The death toll has reached 845, with the highest daily death count of 118 being reported on Tuesday.
The Michigan Department of Corrections reports a total of 262 inmates and 107 staff members have tested positive for COVID-19. There are cases at 10 of the state's 29 prisons. Here is a full breakdown of where those cases are.
An additional 166 cases were not attributed to certain counties and 118 were out of state cases.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said "it's another tough 24 hours" in Michigan, according to the Associated Press.
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. However, the state's chief medical executive, Dr. Joneigh Khaldun says the state intends to begin reporting recovered numbers as soon as later this week.
"I will say it's been less than a month... since we identified the first cases. It takes time for someone to have recovered, so we have to go back 30 days see who is doing well and not in the hospital," Khaldun said. "But, we believe we will be able to start posting that data very soon."
Michigan officials updated testing data on Tuesday at 1:45 p.m. This shows that 43,503 specimens have been tested for the virus, and 12,021 have been positive. These tests were conducted at either commercial, hospital or public labs.
The testing data won't equal the number of people with COVID-19 because people may have had more than one test of had their test from an out of state lab.
Stabenow, Peters secure additional $6.3 million in funding for COVID-19 response
U.S. Sens. Gary Peters (D-Mich.) and Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) announced Tuesday that Michigan would be receiving an additional $6.3 million in funding from the CDC to address COVID-19.
The funding is through an agreement between states and local jurisdictions that have the highest number of reported coronavirus cases. The resources will go toward a range of needs, including buying medical equipment, staffing and data management.
Mel Trotter: 2 shelter guests test positive for COVID-19
Mel Trotter said two individuals who have stayed at the shelter tested positive for COVID-19.
One person tested positive on April 4 and the second one on April 6.
"Neither individual is currently in our shelter. Both individuals are in isolation at local health care facilities," said Beth Fisher the Vice President of Advancement for Mel Trotter.
Michigan lawmakers extend state of emergency
The Republican-led Michigan Legislature has lengthened Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s coronavirus emergency declaration by 23 days, through April, rather than adopt a 70-day extension she sought into mid-June.
Mason County has first reported COVID-19 case
A person from Mason County tested postie for the virus, according to health officials. District Health Department #10, in Mason County, is working to investigate this case to determine potential close contacts to the individual.
No other information about the case was given. The health department is suggesting everyone follow the CDC guidelines if they think they've had exposure to the virus.
Monday's cases
The state reported an additional 1,503 cases and 110 deaths on Monday. The state total is now 17,221 and 727 deaths. The average age of patients dying from the virus is 71.8 years old.
The Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) is reporting 241 inmate cases. Click here to view a breakdown of the MDOC's inmate cases.
An additional 86 MDOC employees have also tested positive for the virus.
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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