GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Here is the latest information on the coronavirus in Michigan, including the number of cases state offices report and other updates affecting West Michigan.
Tuesday's cases
In the state's Tuesday update, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported 779 daily cases of COVID-19. The total is now 98,439.
There were also 20 deaths reported today. The death toll is now 6,417. According the state health department, the deaths announced today includes 6 deaths identified during a Vital Records review.
The latest data on recoveries is from Friday, Aug. 21. It shows that 72,580 people have recovered from the virus. The state updates this data every Saturday. A recovery is counted as anyone who is 30 days out from the onset of their symptoms.
Hospitalizations are declining. There are 631 suspected/confirmed COVID-19 patients in Michigan hospitals, 86 on ventilators, and 176 in critical care as of Aug. 24.
Michigan is reporting the number of cases at long term care facilities. That data can be seen here.
Whitmer: Get flu vaccine to ease hospitals' load in pandemic
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is urging Michigan residents to get the flu vaccine to ease the load on the health system if there is a surge of coronavirus cases during the fall and winter influenza season.
She announced Tuesday that the state wants at least 1 million more people vaccinated. Whitmer received a flu shot during a news conference to “show how easy it is.” More than 3.2 million of Michigan’s 10 million residents were vaccinated against the flu last season. The state’s goal is to increase that number by a third, to 4.3 million.
She made the announcement at a press briefing Tuesday.
WATCH HERE:
Cases at Central Michigan University rise, Eastern delays return to campus
Central Michigan University has 54 confirmed COVID-19 cases linked to students returning to campus a week ago, bringing the total up to 79. After a party was broken up on Friday, the university says anyone who hosts or attends large parties could be fined or suspended.
In Ypsilanti, Eastern Michigan University students won't be learning in person until September 20th. The university says the move-in delay is in response to seeing cases on the rise at other college campuses.
Monday's cases
In the state's Monday update, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported 868 daily cases of COVID-19. The total is now 97,660.
There were also 4 deaths reported today. The death toll is now 6,397.
State recommendations for COVID-19
People with COVID-19 have reported a wide range of symptoms, ranging from mild to severe illnesses. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus, according to the CDC. The symptoms include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Chills
- Repeated shaking with chills
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
*Note: This list does not include all possible symptoms. It will be updated as the CDC and health officials learn more about the virus.
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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