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.
Tuesday's cases
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported a case count of 954 for Tuesday. The total case count for the state is now 598,968.
The death toll is now at 15,699 with 29 new deaths reported. The deaths announced today include 8 identified during a Vital Records review.
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.
First case of South African COVID-19 variant identified in Michigan
The first case of the COVID-19 variant B.1.351 was identified Monday in a male child living in Jackson County, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)
B.1.351 was first detected in South African in October 2020. The variant is believed to be more contagious than the SARS-CoV-2 virus that has been circulating across the US for over a year. However, there has been no identification that it increases clinical outcomes or disease severity, according to the MDHHS.
Whitmer lowers flag to honor one year anniversary of COVID in Michigan
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol Complex and upon all public buildings and grounds across the State of Michigan to be lowered to half-staff on Wednesday, March 10 to honor the one-year anniversary of the coronavirus in Michigan and mourn those who have lost their lives to COVID-19.
Michiganders are also being asked to turn on the lights outside of their homes on Wednesday, March 10, from 8 to 9 p.m. in remembrance of the lives lost in the last year.
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.
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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