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.
Wednesday's Cases
The State of Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced 4,326 confirmed daily cases of COVID-19. There have been a total of 508,736 cases announced since mid-March.
There were 51 COVID-19 deaths reported Wednesday. In Michigan, the death toll is 12,918 from the virus.
The latest data on recoveries is from Wednesday, Dec. 30. It shows that 363,611 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.
State expands vaccine eligibility for people 65 and older, first responders, and teachers
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced Wednesday that the state is moving into a new phase of the COVID-19 vaccination plan starting Monday, Jan. 11.
The state's goal is to vaccinate 70% of Michiganders over the age of 16 and bring an end to the pandemic.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is moving forward with vaccination of Michiganders age 65 and older; frontline essential workers including police officers, first responders, frontline state and federal workers and jail and prison staff; and preK-12 teachers and childcare providers.
Michigan ranks 7th worst in nation for administering COVID-19 vaccine
Michigan ranks 7th worst in the nation for administering COVID-19 vaccines, according to data released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Six other states -- Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Kansas, Mississippi, and North Carolina -- have vaccinated fewer people per capita, the data showed.
Michigan received more than 520,000 doses of Pfizer's and Moderna's coronavirus vaccines as of Monday, but only about 27% of those vaccines doses had been administered, according to data from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). This means that three quarters of the vaccines sent to Michigan -- nearly 380,000 doses -- are still in freezers.
Tuesday's cases
The State of Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced 2,291 confirmed daily cases of COVID-19. There have been a total of 504,410 cases announced since mid-March.
There were 189 COVID-19 deaths reported Tuesday, including 117 identified during a Vital Records review. In Michigan, the death toll is 12,867 from the virus.
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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