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 718 daily cases of coronavirus Tuesday; the total is 103,186.
There were 15 deaths recorded, but eight of those came from a review of death certificate data.
The latest data on recoveries is from Friday, Aug. 28. It shows that 76,151 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 646 suspected/confirmed COVID-19 patients in Michigan hospitals, 83 on ventilators, and 160 in critical care as of Sept. 1.
Michigan is reporting the number of cases at long term care facilities. That data can be seen here.
Whitmer to give update Wednesday
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is set to give an update on the state's COVID-19 response on Wednesday, Sept. 2 at 2:30 p.m.
The governor will be joined by Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun.
MDHHS makes change to COVID-19 reporting schedule
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced Tuesday it is making a change to the COVID-19 reporting schedule.
Beginning Sunday, Sept. 6, data on cases, deaths and testing will be reported Monday through Saturday. MDHHS said weekend data are often erratic and generally lower than other days due to reduced testing and lab staffing.
"With respect to policy matters, MDHHS focuses its review of trends on the number of reports for each date that individuals experienced the onset of symptoms and not the daily reported cases which represent the day test results were received," the health department said in a release Tuesday.
Onset date reporting is shown on the MI Safe Start Map as well the Daily Cases by Status report on the state's COVID-19 website. This reporting will not be affected by this change.
Sunday and Monday data will both be reported on Mondays, including Labor Day. This change will not affect the department’s ability to provide onset date information for COVID-19 cases.
COVID-19 testing site opens in Norton Shores
Public Health Muskegon County and Mercy Health Muskegon have partnered together to open a COVID-19 testing location in Norton Shores.
The diagnostic testing will take place at Mercy Health Lakes Village, located at 6401 Prairie Street. It will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Drive-thru testing, as well as walk-up appointments, will be available.
Those who need a test are asked to order it through their primary care provider. Mercy Health testing site staff will then contact the individual to schedule a time to be tested.
Monday's cases
In the state's Monday update, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported 451 daily cases of coronavirus Monday, making the total 102,468.
There were seven deaths recorded, and the death toll has reached 6,480.
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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