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.
Sunday & Monday cases
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported 9,010 cases from Sunday and Monday, which is an average of 4,505 cases a day. The total number of cases has reached 216,804.
There were 62 deaths recorded over the two-day period, bringing the death toll to 7,640.
The latest data on recoveries is from Friday, Oct. 30. It shows that 128,981 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.
Hospitalizations are rising this week. There are 2,411 suspected/confirmed COVID-19 adult patients in Michigan hospitals, 202 patients on ventilators as of Nov. 6.
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.
Michigan National Guard helping with no-cost testing in Ottawa, Schoolcraft counties
The Michigan National Guard is assisting state and local health departments offering COVID-19 testing. This week, there will be no-cost testing in Zeeland and Manistique.
Manistique: Saturday, Nov. 14, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Schoolcraft County Road Commission, 322 E. Rd. Manistique, MI 49854.
Zeeland: Tuesday, Nov. 10, 3 -7:30 p.m., Zeeland City Fire/Rescue, 29 W. Main Ave., Zeeland, MI 49464.
More than 240 patients with COVID-19 hospitalized at Spectrum
According to the Spectrum Health COVID-19 dashboard, 242 people are currently hospitalized with coronavirus -- surpassing the previous record set. Spectrum also reported that 58 employees have tested positive. More than 1,300 employees have tested positive in total.
Pfizer says early data signals COVID-19 vaccine is effective
Pfizer says an early peek at its vaccine data suggests the shots may be 90% effective at preventing COVID-19, indicating the company is on track later this month to file an emergency use application with U.S. regulators.
Monday's announcement doesn't mean a vaccine is imminent: This interim analysis, from an independent data monitoring board, looked at 94 infections recorded so far in a study that has enrolled nearly 44,000 people in the U.S. and five other countries.
Pfizer Inc. did not provide any more details about those cases, and cautioned the initial protection rate might change by the time the study ends. Even revealing such early data is highly unusual.
CDC releases tips for safely celebrating Thanksgiving
For the first time, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued guidance and steps for Americans to take to safely celebrate Thanksgiving. The CDC says its guidance is meant to supplement, but not replace any state or local health and safety laws.
In an interview with "CBS Evening News" host Norah O'Donnell at the beginning of October, Dr. Anthony Fauci highlighted the concern about the virus spreading in the fall. He said people should be careful "about social gatherings, particularly when members of the family might be at a risk because of their age or their underlying condition."
That includes holiday gatherings like Thanksgiving.
"You may have to bite the bullet and sacrifice that social gathering unless you're pretty certain that the people that you're dealing with are not infected," Fauci told O'Donnell.
No data on Sundays
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (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 another record-high number of daily cases Saturday. The state recorded 6,225 cases of COVID-19, going beyond Thursday's record of 5,710.
The total number of cases is 207,794.
These high case counts also come as the state recorded the highest rate of testing, with over 75,000 diagnostic tests being performed on Friday. However, that is paired with a 7-day positivity rate of 9% and increasing hospitalizations statewide.
There were 65 deaths recorded Saturday, but 42 came from a review of death certificate data. The death toll is 7,578.
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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