Here is the latest information on the coronavirus in Michigan, including the number of cases state officials report and other updates affecting West Michigan.
State officials report nearly 1,000 new cases
In the state's Saturday 3 p.m. update, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported 993 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total to 4,650.
The state's death toll also rose to 111. There are a total of 47 cases in the Michigan Department of Corrections.
Southeast Michigan continues to be the hardest hit region, with 83% of the cases across the state. The city of Detroit has over 1,300 cases and 30 deaths.
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."
This week, the state count also started including the number of positive and negative tests. The test data was updated at 1 p.m. on Saturday, so it may not align with the case information yet.
The total number of specimens does not indicate the number of patients, since a patient could be tested more than once. Here is the latest update from the state:
Detroit Auto Show canceled; TCF Center to become field hospital
According to multiple reports, the Detroit Auto Show has been canceled. It was scheduled to take place in June at the TCF Center, formerly known as Cobo Hall.
The TCF Center will be turned into a field hospital to handle an influx of patients during the coronavirus pandemic.
Whitmer order requires water services to be reconnected
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive order Saturday to require water services to be reconnected for residences that had it shut off. The order will last the duration of the COVID-19 emergency.
Illinois reports first infant death of COVID-19
The Illinois Department of Health reported the death of an infant in Chicago who tested positive for COVID-19.
This is the first infant death associated with COVID-19 in the United States.
Trump approves Whitmer's disaster declaration request
President Donald Trump approved Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's major disaster declaration request for Michigan.
The declaration provides additional money to address the outbreak. A top health official said the situation in Detroit will worsen.
Allegan County reports 2nd case of COVID-19
The Allegan County Health Department confirmed the county's second case of COVID-19 Saturday.
The 40-year-old patient is currently hospitalized and has no history of travel. The patient, who is not specified as a man or a woman, took the proper precautions and had minimal community contact when they learned of the diagnosis, according to the county.
The health department is still investigating the case.
Oceana County reports its second COVID-19 case
Oceana County health officials said they confirmed their second positive case of COVID-19. They did not provide additional details about the individual but they are working to learn who their close contacts are.
This case is not reflected in the state's data yet.
WMU: 3 students tested positive for COVID-19
Three Western Michigan University students tested positive for COVID-19.
One student tested positive for the virus after returning home to the east side of the state after they left campus on March 10, and the two other students developed symptoms after distance learning began on March 16.
Friday's cases
Michigan has a total of 3,657 COVID-19 cases and 92 people have died, according to state data.
As of Friday morning, state data shows there were 801 new cases and 32 more deaths. New state data shows that 65% of patients' deaths have been men. The average age of deceased patients is 68.4. There are also 23 cases reported within the Michigan Department of Corrections.
Two of the Friday reported deaths were in Muskegon County. But, the majority of the state's 92 deaths have occurred in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties.
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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