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.
Friday's cases
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported 8,689 cases Friday. The total number of cases has reached 389,032.
There were 81 deaths recorded. The death toll is now 9,661.
► Read more from Friday's update here.
MDHHS updates guidance quarantine period based on new CDC findings
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has updated guidance on COVID-19 quarantine periods based on recent findings released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The CDC has shortened the recommended length of quarantine after exposure to someone positive with COVID-19 from 14 days to 10 days, and down to 7 days with a negative COVID-19 test.
Based on the evaluation of the CDC information, MDHHS updated its guidance to allow modifications to the quarantine period for Michigan residents in specific situations. While the standard 14-day quarantine period remains, it can be reduced to 10 days if the following two conditions exist:
- The individual does not develop any symptoms or clinical evidence of COVID-19 infection during daily symptom monitoring for the 10 days after the last exposure.
- Daily symptom monitoring continues through day 14 after the last exposure.
Holland Rescue Mission reports several positive COVID cases
Earlier this week, Holland Rescue Mission staff was notified of a positive case of COVID-19 within in its Men’s Ministry Center, located at 166 South River Avenue in Holland.
Staff members identified close contacts of the infected resident. Those individuals are being quarantined off-site according the official plan established by the Ottawa County Health Department and shelter leadership.
Other residents in the shelter were administered rapid tests to determine if there were other positive cases not yet identified. The results of those tests confirmed an additional 13 residents who have COVID-19.
Officials say the Mission's shelters and other facilities are routinely disinfected as part of its daily maintenance protocol, and ask that the community continue to support the shelter through donating disposable face masks and hand sanitizers, as well as shelf-stable food, fruit, vegetables, bottled water, and healthy snacks.
Donations can be safely dropped off Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Gateway Center Donation Door, located at 661 East 24th St. Monetary donations can be made online at hollandrescue.org
Free COVID-19 testing, flu shots in Grand Rapids this weekend
Cherry Health is partnering with several other organizations to host a free COVID-19 testing and flu shot event in Grand Rapids Saturday, Dec. 5.
It's happening at the Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, located at 510 Franklin St. SE.
The event is taking place from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Those interested can pre-register at the Cherry Health website.
Cherry Health is teaming up with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Blue Cross Complete, NAACP Greater Grand Rapids, Black Impact Collaborative, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine and 411GR.com to offer the free services.
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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