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.
Thursday's cases
Thursday the state of Michigan reported a total confirmed case count of 421,137 with the death toll reaching 10,395.
There were 5,937 cases reported Thursday and 182 deaths from the virus.
The deaths announced today includes 132 deaths identified during a Vital Records review.
► Read more from Thursday's update here.
Whitmer announces bipartisan commission to educate Michiganders on COVID-19 vaccine
On Thursday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-193 creating the bipartisan Protect Michigan Commission within the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to help raise awareness of the safety and effectiveness of an approved COVID-19 vaccine, as well as educate people.
Whitmer said the bipartisan group of leaders is uniquely equipped to help reinforce the importance of everyone getting vaccinated.
“This year, we have confronted some of the greatest challenges of our generation, and, in every moment, Michiganders have risen to meet these challenges head-on,” Lt. Governor Gilchrist said. “With a safe and effective vaccine on the horizon, the Protect Michigan Commission is bringing our state together once again to ensure that every Michigander has the information and resources they need to get vaccinated at the appropriate time. Our clearest path to healthy communities, a growing economy, and kids learning in their classrooms is through this vaccine.”
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan waiving all costs for COVID-19 vaccine coverage
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network will waive all copays, deductibles and coinsurance for administration of COVID-19 vaccines to commercial members during the government’s multi-phased approach to vaccine distribution.
This action includes Blue Cross and Blue Care Network commercial plans. Medicare is covering the vaccine costs for Medicare members.
Panel gives Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine final look Thursday before US decision
Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine faces one final hurdle as it races to become the first shot greenlighted in the U.S.: a panel of experts who will scrutinize the company’s data for any red flags.
Thursday’s meeting of the Food and Drug Administration’s vaccine advisory panel is likely the last step before a U.S. decision to begin shipping millions of doses of the shot, which has shown strong protection against the coronavirus.
The FDA panel functions like a science court that will pick apart the data and debate — in public and live-streamed — whether the shot is safe and effective enough to be cleared for emergency use. The non-government experts specialize in vaccine development, infectious diseases and medical statistics. The FDA is expected to follow the committee’s advice, although it is not required to do so.
Ford Airport's COVID-19 testing site opens
The Gerald R. Ford International Airport's new COVID-19 testing site opened to the community Thursday morning. The airport is one of the first in the nation to open a testing site on its property.
The drive-up, no-appointment-needed site will offer both rapid antigen tests, which provide results in 15 minutes, and molecular PCR tests, which provide results in 24-48 hours. The testing site will initially be open from 4 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day. The airport said those wishing to be tested do not need to have COVID-19 symptoms or a doctor’s referral.
Cost for the testing will be $75 for the rapid antigen, $125 for the molecular PCR or $160 for both tests. The Ford Airport is partnering with TACKL Health, which does not currently accept health insurance.
All Rockford schools to continue remote learning until 2021
Students at Rockford public schools will spend the rest of 2020 at home. Superintendent Dr. Mike Shibler announced all schools in the district will remain in remote learning through December 18, the start of the district's winter break.
Now his concern turns to winter break and Christmas. His goal is to have everyone back to in-person learning after the break ends on January 4. But in order for that to happen, he urges that students and their families must follow safety precautions over the holiday.
Wednesday's cases
Wednesday the state of Michigan reported a total confirmed case count of 415,200 with the death toll reaching 10,213.
There were 4,905 cases reported Wednesday and 75 deaths from the virus.
► Read more from Wednesday's update here.
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.
RELATED VIDEO:
►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.
Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.
