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 Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported 4,024 cases of COVID-19 and 190 deaths. The deaths announced today includes 125 deaths identified during a Vital Records review.
The total case count is at 450,776 with the death toll at 11,208.
The latest data on recoveries is from Friday, Dec. 11. It shows that 236,369 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.
Michigan is reporting the number of cases at long term care facilities. That data can be seen here. The state is also now reporting school-related outbreaks and that data can be viewed here.
Ottawa County to use GVSU's Holland campus for COVID-19 vaccinations
The Ottawa County Department of Public Health (OCDPH) will use Grand Valley State University's (GVSU) Holland campus as a site to vaccinate frontline workers, according to the university.
Lisa Stefanovsky, OCDPH health officer, said the department received about 975 doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Beginning Friday, Dec. 18, the health department will begin vaccinating EMS personnel and other individuals facilitating the vaccination and testing site locations.
Second COVID-19 vaccine by Moderna receives public review before FDA panel vote
A second COVID-19 vaccine moved closer to joining the U.S. fight against the pandemic Thursday as government advisers convened for a public review of its safety and effectiveness.
It's the next-to-last step for the vaccine developed by drugmaker Moderna and the National Institutes of Health. The panel of physicians and medical researchers is expected to endorse it, followed by the Food and Drug Administration's OK within hours or days.
State updates priority groups for COVID-19 vaccine
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has updated its priority groups for vaccination administration to include 16-year-olds and pregnant women.
The expanded guidance will allow people 16 years of age or older to get the vaccine if they have a high risk for severe COVID-19 infection because of underlying medical conditions.
The information concerning pregnant women getting the vaccine has also been updated to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendation that pregnant women may be offered the vaccine within priority groups upon consultation with their doctor.
COVID-19 testing event in Battle Creek on Dec. 17
As part of its Neighborhood Testing Site strategy, the Michigan Department of the Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced a pop-up testing site being offered on Thursday, Dec. 17 in Battle Creek.
MDHHS is working with community partners including churches, community colleges and nonprofit organizations to host testing sites. The pop-up site is at the Second Missionary Baptist Church, 485 Washington Avenue North, Battle Creek on Thursday, Dec. 17, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. No appointments are needed for this walk-in event.
Wednesday's cases
Wednesday, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported 4,037 cases of COVID-19 and 83 deaths.
The total case count is at 446,752 with the death toll at 11,018.
►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.
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