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.
Monday's Cases
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported 135 new cases of COVID-19 Monday, bringing the total to 57,532.
The death toll increased by 25; the total is now 5,516.
The latest data on recoveries is from Friday, May 29. It shows that 38,099 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.
The Michigan Department of Corrections has tested every inmate within its system. While results are still pending on many inmates, MDOC reports 3,933 positive cases of COVID-19 and 69 deaths. The Federal Corrections Institute reported 146 cases and 4 deaths.
The number of hospitalizations has dropped below 1,000, with 774 COVID-19 patients in Michigan hospitals. There are 250 people on ventilators and 371 in critical care.
The latest data on testing is from Friday, May 22, and it shows 23,860 total tests were performed. The state recently started separating diagnostic tests and antibody tests; 18,657 of Friday's test results were diagnostic.
Michigan started reporting the number of cases at long term care facilities. That data can be seen here.
Michigan's case fatality rate is 10%, but health officials say this will likely decline as testing of people with mild symptoms becomes more widely available.
The state emphasizes that the report of cumulative data is "provisional and subject to change. As public health investigations of individual cases continue, there will be corrections to the status and details of referred cases that result in changes to this report."
Whitmer order adds protections to congregate housing for migrant workers
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive order to require procedures to keep agricultural workers and the food supply safe from COVID-19.
“It’s critical for Michiganders to have access to healthy and nutritious food grown right here in our state, and one of the best ways to ensure that is to make sure migrant agricultural workers are protected against the spread of COVID-19,” Governor Whitmer said. “This Executive Order will save lives and help keep the state’s agricultural sector running smoothly and consistently.”
The order requires operators of migrant housing to provides residents with the same safeguards as businesses, as well as:
- Separate beds by at least 6 feet or more in all directions wherever possible and encourage residents to sleep head-to-toe.
- Provide isolation housing for COVID-19-infection who have not received a positive result from a COVID-19 test, unless the resident resides in a single-family housing unit or family living unit that is part of a multifamily unit and can effectively isolate themselves.
- Provide housing, dining and bathroom facilities for COVID-19-confirmed residents separate from residents who are not COVID-19-confirmed.
- Ensure regular ventilation of rooms where COVID-19-affected residents are housed.
- Ensure anyone who delivers food and water to isolated residents is equipped with appropriate PPE.
- Arrange for COVID-19-affected residents to be evaluated by a medical provider through the local health department or federally qualified health center.
- Adopt any additional infection control measures consistent with guidance issued by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
Whitmer lifts Michigan's stay-at-home order
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has lifted Michigan’s coronavirus stay-at-home order.
Whitmer said Monday that restaurants can reopen to dine-in customers next week and she has eased limits on gatherings. Some businesses where close contact is necessary, including gyms, hair salons, indoor theaters and casinos, will remain closed for now.
Day camps for children and pools can open June 8. Groups of up to 100 people can gather outside as long as they practice social distancing.
Gyms and fitness centers can offer outdoor activities such as classes, practices, training sessions and games as long as participants, coaches and spectators stay 6 feet apart.
Whitmer said her goal is to shift the state to phase 5 — “containing” — before July 4.
COVID-19 spike in 2 counties due to residents not following CDC guidelines, Health Department says
While overall COVID-19 cases in Michigan have started to decrease, two counties are experiencing a spike in cases. According to District Health Department #10 (DHD#10), this spike is due to individuals not following guidelines to prevent the spread of the virus.
Newaygo and Oceana Counties fall under the jurisdictions of DHD#10.
"As of Sunday, Newaygo County has 106 confirmed cases and Oceana County has 85. Those are the highest number of cases out of DHD10's 10 county jurisdiction," said Newaygo County Emergency Services in a statement sent Monday morning. "According to the health department, many of these cases are due to families getting together where asymptomatic individuals unknowingly spread the virus to family members and then to coworkers."
MDHHS ensuring access to Medicaid behavioral health services during pandemic
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) today announced plans to ensure residents will continue to have access to behavioral health services as providers deal with challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic.
MDHHS is working with the state’s regional Pre-Paid Inpatient Health Plans (PIHPS) on stability plans for providers of Medicaid-funded behavioral health and developmental disability services. Consistent with their contractual responsibilities, the department will work together with plans to ensure that service providers remain viable.
MDHHS is requiring that each of the state’s 10 PIHPs submit a Provider Network Stability Plan that outlines the steps being taken to support its network of providers. Stability plans are due June 4.
Sunday's cases
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported 513 new cases of COVID-19 Sunday, bringing the total to 57,397.
The death toll increased by 28; the total is now 5,491.
State recommendations for COVID-19
Patients with confirmed infection have reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Chills
- Repeated shaking with chills
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
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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