MICHIGAN, USA — Here is the latest information on the coronavirus in Michigan, including the number of cases state offices report and other updates affecting West Michigan.
Wednesday cases
The number of total cases of COVID-19 is now at 53,009 and 5,060 have died from the virus. As of Wednesday, May 20 the 659 more case were confirmed and 43 more deaths.
The Michigan Department of Corrections, which is conducting mass testing, has recorded 3,423 cases and 61 deaths.
Hospitalizations increased slightly from Monday's numbers, but overall the 1,079 COVID-19 patients in the hospital follows a downward trend. There are 351 patients on ventilators and 486 in critical care.
The latest data on testing is from Sunday, May 17, and it shows a decrease in testing with about 13,500 tests performed with a 9% positivity rate. Whitmer said the state aims to be testing 30,000 people a day by mid-June.
Michigan started reporting the number of cases at long term care facilities. That data can be seen here.
Michigan's case fatality rate is 10%, but health officials say this will likely decline as testing of people with mild symptoms becomes more widely available.
The latest data on recoveries is from Friday, May 15. It shows that 28,234 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.
2020 Coast Guard Festival canceled
After two months of research, the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival Board of Directors has decided to cancel the 2020 festival and its accompanying events.
The Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival will resume in celebration in 2021 from July 30 to August 8.
The board said the decision to cancel the annual event, which has been put on since 1924, was "difficult but necessary to ensure a healthy community."
'Operation Haircut' protest offers free haircuts on Capitol Lawn
Another protest is planned for the week ahead at the Capitol in Lansing. Wednesday people will rally for what is being called 'Operation Haircut.' The event was organized by The Michigan Conservative Coalition.
'Operation Haircut' was inspired by the Owosso barber, Karl Manke, who opened his shop despite the state's stay home order, and has now been stripped of his license.
2020 Grand Rapids Polish Festival canceled
Organizers of the 2020 Grand Rapids Polish Festival have canceled the event this year due to concerns of spreading COVID-19 among attendees, vendors and volunteers.
The most recent announcement is disappointing, the board said. Board members voted to cancel the event Monday night and informed city officials, food and merchandise vendors, as well as entertainers, on Tuesday.
“We are as disappointed about cancelling the Dozynki festival as everyone else, but we felt it was the socially responsible thing to do,” Society President Adam Porczynski said. “We just couldn’t determine how to hold an event that drew more than 15,000 people last year and ensure that everyone would be safe from spreading COVID-19.”
The society has reserved the dates of Aug. 27 through Aug. 29 in 2021 with the city to resume the festival next year.
Trump threatens funding after Michigan absentee ballot move
President Donald Trump said on Twitter Wednesday he wants to hold up coronavirus funding for Michigan, saying erroneously that the state had mailed absentee ballots to millions of voters.
Michigan used federal coronavirus relief funding to mail applications for absentee ballots, not the ballots themselves. Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson responded to Trump on Twitter explaining that the state is sending out voter applications, not ballots, much like Iowa, Georgia, Nebraska and West Virginia.
Diocese of Grand Rapids to reopen, begin public Masses
Diocese of Grand Rapids announced Wednesday that public Masses will resume after over two months of closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Parishes are scheduled to begin public Masses Friday, May 29.
The churches will reopen in phases and said they would follow social distancing and safety guidelines, including reducing seating capacity and requiring face coverings.
Blue Cross Blue Shield Michigan giving back $100M to customers
Due to disruptions in previously anticipated health care services caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network will be returning more than $100 million to many fully insured customers this year.
The refunds are in addition to $494 million that BCBSM has invested in expanding the availability of no-cost benefits for members and to support health providers in response to COVID-19 – bringing the BCBSM enterprise’s commitment in response to the crisis to nearly $600 million.
John Ball Zoo hopes to reopen on May 29
Leaders from the John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids hope to open to members on May 29 and the general public on May 30.
During a news conference, the zoo outlined some guidelines they say they'll use to keep people and animals safe, including limiting park capacity to 25% through timed tickets and encouraging social distancing in areas where lines form with stickers on the pavement and reminders from staff.
All indoor buildings at the zoo, like the gift shop and aquariums, will remain closed when the zoo reopens.
Zoo officials said staff members will wear masks, and visitors are being asked to as well.
Tuesday's cases
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported 435 new cases of COVID-19 Tuesday, bringing the total to 52,350.
The daily death count reached 102--the first time in 10 days the count exceeded 100. But it includes 43 deaths from a regular review of death certificate data. The death toll has reached 5,017.
The Michigan Department of Corrections, which is conducting mass testing, has recorded 3,122 cases and 60 deaths. The Federal Corrections Institute reported 118 cases and three deaths.
State recommendations for COVID-19
Patients with confirmed infection have reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Chills
- Repeated shaking with chills
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
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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