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.
Friday's cases
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported 780 daily cases of coronavirus, making the total 126,358.
There were seven deaths recorded on Friday. The death toll has reached 6,788.
The latest data on recoveries is from Friday, Sept. 25. It shows that 95,051 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 fluctuating. There are 692 suspected/confirmed COVID-19 adult patients in Michigan hospitals, 62 patients on ventilators as of Oct. 2.
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.
Whitmer moves Upper Peninsula back a phase after 'surge' in COVID-19 cases
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer moved the Upper Peninsula back a reopening phase after the region saw a "surge" in COVID-19 cases, a news release said.
The executive order places the Upper Peninsula in Phase 4 of the MI Safe Start Plan. The region had been one phase ahead of most of the Lower Peninsula, but moving back a phase puts it in the "improving" stage.
"The move to Phase 4 will require people who can perform work remotely to do so, require schools to enforce mask requirements with limited exceptions, and place limits on social gatherings and stores that match those in place in most of the state, among other changes," the governor's office said.
Belding Area Schools goes virtual after bus driver tests positive for COVID-19
Belding Area Schools will be going fully virtual for two weeks after a school bus driver tested positive for COVID-19.
The district said, "due to a shortage of bus drivers and the number of students who were potentially exposed, and out of an abundance of caution," they are shifting to a remote learning structure starting Monday, Oct. 5 for all students.
GRPS closes administrative offices on Franklin Campus after positive COVID-19 case
Grand Rapids Public Schools has closed the administrative offices on its Franklin Campus after a staff member tests positive for COVID-19.
According to GRPS spokesperson John Helmholdt, this is the third staff member to be COVID-19 positive. The two other incidents were of staff members at different Franklin campus buildings.
As a precautionary measure, Helmholdt said the Kent County Health Department provided guidance for the district to close Franklin campus, including 4H, Library Building, Campus ECC, and Rev. Lyman S. Parks Administration Building, Thursday evening and send any remaining staff home.
Franklin Campus closed again on Friday, Oct. 2 with staff expected to work remotely. Unless otherwise specified, the Kent County Health Department has indicated the Franklin Campus may reopen in-person on Monday, Oct. 5.
Health officials issue 'Staying Safe' order for GVSU through Oct. 16
Grand Valley State University's 'stay in place' order for all students living on or off campus in Allendale will expire Thursday night. Officials have announced that a second order will go into effect starting at 12:00 a.m. on Oct. 2.
The Ottawa County Department of Public Health said in a release Thursday that it has been conducting surveillance of COVID-19 cases at GVSU and seen improvements. The number of active cases on campus has steadily been going down over the last few weeks. According to GVSU's data dashboard, there are 122 active cases of COVID-19. The positivity rate over the last seven days has been under 1%.
To continue a downward trend of positive COVID-19 cases, the OCDPH health officer is issuing a “Staying Safe” Order that will begin October 2, 2020, at 12:00 a.m. and continue through October 16 at 11:59 p.m.
Thursday's cases
In the state's Thursday update, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported 891 daily cases of COVID-19, making the total 125,578.
There were 19 deaths recorded, 11 of which were identified after Vital Records review. The death toll is now 6,781.
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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