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 and Sunday's cases
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported a combined case count of 1,960 for Sunday and Monday. The total case count for the state is now 598,014.
The death toll is now at 15,670 with 4 new deaths reported.
The MDHHS reported that 549,881 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.
Vaccine eligibility expands to people ages 50+ with pre-existing conditions, special needs caregivers
People 50 years old or older with a pre-existing condition, as well as, family members or guardians who are caregivers of children with special needs will become eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine starting Monday, March 8.
Beginning Monday, March 22, vaccine eligibility will again expand to include all Michiganders 50 and older.
The state said of the expansion: "MDHHS is accelerating vaccination of these individuals due to concern around disparity in life expectancy and in an effort to remove barriers to vaccine access."
No data on Sundays
MDHHS has stopped reporting data on cases, deaths, and testing on Sunday. Those numbers will be release with Monday's update.
Saturday's cases
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported a case count of 1,289 for Saturday. The total case count for the state is now 596,054.
The death toll is now at 15,666 with 56 new deaths reported. The deaths announced today include 48 identified during a Vital Records review.
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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