Here is the latest information on the coronavirus in Michigan, including the number of cases state officials report and other updates affecting West Michigan.
Over 1,000 Michiganders have died from COVID-19
In the state's daily update, Michigan recorded 1,158 new COVID-19 cases, making the total 21,504.
The state reported 117 new deaths Thursday, making the state's death toll 1,076.
The Michigan Department of Corrections reports that 305 inmates have COVID-19, and 137 staff members have also tested positive. There are cases in 11 of the state's 29 prisons. See a full breakdown of coronavirus cases within MDOC here.
"We are seeing some very early data that suggests that growth rate for positive cases may be slowing, but there's still not enough testing happening across our state," said Michigan's Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun in Thursday's press conference. She said the state will be giving more information on how they plan to expand testing capacity.
Michigan started reporting the number of recovered cases this week. So far, 56 people in the state have recovered from COVID-19. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says a recovered case is anyone who is 30 days out from the onset of symptoms. The number of recovered cases will be updated every Saturday.
"We already know that there are some parts of the state when there is community spread. This means now, more than ever, we have to double down and do everything we can to fight this disease," said Khaldun. Thursday, the governor also extended the stay home order until May 1.
In Thursday's update, state data shows they tested 3,617 specimens, and 1,187 those were positive and 2,430 were negative. Each specimen tested does not equate a patient, since some patients have more than one specimen tested and some receive testing out of state.
Michigan also reports that there are 3,826 COVID-19 patients who are hospitalized, and 1,628 are in critical care.
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.
Michigan stay at home order extended until May 1
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer extended Michigan’s stay at home order through the end of April. She made the announcement Thursday, just four days before the original order was set to expire on Monday, April 13.
Michigan follows the lead of several other states that have extended their original orders, including others in the Midwest like Illinois, Indiana and Ohio. By the time this extension is lifted, Michigan’s nearly 10 million residents will have been under the stay home, stay safe order for over five weeks.
The new order expires at 11:59 p.m. on April 30.
Michigan creates Coronavirus Task Force on Racial Disparities
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer created the Michigan Coronavirus Task Force on Racial Disparities on Thursday. The task force, which will be headed by Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist, will provide recommendations on how to address the disproportionate number of black or African American residents who are dying from COVID-19.
In Michigan, black people constitute 40% of the coronavirus deaths, when they account for only 14% of the state's population.
Whitmer order limits amount of people allowed in large stores
Thursday Gov. Gretchen Whitmer extended Michigan's stay at home order through the end of the month of April. The order also put in place limits for larger stores and the amount of people allowed in, which will primarily affect grocery stores.
Whitmer said she hopes the limitations will reduce foot traffic, slow the spread of coronavirus and save lives.
Whitmer to give update at 3 p.m.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun are giving an update on the state's response to COVID-19. The governor's office announced the Stay Home, Stay Safe order was extended through April 30 at 11:59 p.m.
Whitmer will provide an update at 3 p.m. It can be viewed live on Facebook, YouTube and 13onyourside.com.
First critical care COVID-19 patient released from Mercy Health Saint Mary's
Mercy Health Saint Mary's in Grand Rapids shared some hopeful news Wednesday evening: the staff discharged their first COVID-19 patient from critical care.
The hospital shared a video of the patient leaving the hospital on Facebook. The video shows the patient in a wheelchair, being pushed through a hallway lined on both sides with applauding nurses.
Mayor: Coronavirus 'starting to weaken' in Detroit
Mayor of Detroit Mike Duggan said the coronavirus is “starting to weaken” in Michigan’s largest city. But he also pleaded with residents to keep the momentum going by wearing masks and avoiding large groups.
Wednesday's cases
In the Wednesday update, state officials announced 1,376 new cases of COVID-19 bringing the total to 20,346. The state also reported 114 new deaths from the virus and 959 total deaths.
Officials will also now start recording and reporting the number of patients who have recovered from the virus. According to the state website, there is now 56 people that have recovered form the virus.
The state says going forward, this information will be updated weekly and includes the number of people with a laboratory confirmed COVID-19 cases who are 30 days out from their onset of illness. Recovered is defined as the number of persons with a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis who are alive 30 days post-onset
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.
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.
MORE COVID-19 NEWS:
- UIA extends hours and adds staff to handle increased number of claims
- Wall Street futures up Thursday
- Weekly jobless report could set another new record Thursday
- New Executive Order reduces unnecessary in-person contact
- Federal stockpile of protective equipment nearly depleted, HHS says
- Feds loosen coronavirus rules to let essential workers return to work
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