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.
Thursday's cases
The Michigan Department of Health of Human Services reported 722 cases of coronavirus Thursday. The total is now 85,429.
There were 26 deaths recorded, but 17 of those came from a review of death certificate data. The death toll is now 6,247.
The latest data on recoveries is from Friday, July 31. It shows that 60,022 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 460 COVID-19 patients in Michigan hospitals, 132 on ventilators, and 243 in critical care as of Aug. 3.
Michigan is reporting the number of cases at long term care facilities. That data can be seen here.
Whitmer signs new order requiring masks at child-care centers and camps
A new executive order signed Thursday will require face masks in all child-care centers and camps.
The order includes various requirements based on age and place. For staff and kids ages 12 and up, face coverings are required when in classrooms, homes, cabins or similar indoor small-group settings. Staff and kids ages 2 and up are required to have masks on while riding school buses or other transportation, and staff and children ages 4 and up are required to wear a face covering in all indoor common spaces. It's strongly encouraged that children 2 and up have masks on in indoor spaces.
COVID-19 cases confirmed at Camp Michawana
Barry-Eaton District Health Department says it learned of an outbreak at a Hope Township camp on Thursday. Five staff members and one visitor at Camp Michawana have tested positive for the virus, and one other person is considered a probable case due to exposure and current symptoms.
"Based upon our initial investigation, we believe that people who have attended or stayed at Camp Michawana on or after July 24th may have been exposed to COVID-19," the health department wrote in a press release.
BEDHD recommends that all individuals who visited the camp during that time quarantine for the 14 days following their last time at the site. The department estimates that 250 people attended or worked the camp in the past two weeks and are at greatest risk of exposure. Those people are being notified of their possible exposure now.
The camp will remain closed to visitors for the next two weeks.
Free community testing event in Allegan County on Saturday
Anyone who wants to be tested for COVID-19 can attend a free testing event this Saturday in Allegan County, even those without symptoms. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the parking lot of the 3255 122nd Ave.
The free drive thru testing event is a combined effort of the Allegan County Health Department (ACHD) is partnering with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).
Wednesday's cases
In the state's Wednesday update, the Michigan Department of Health of Human Services reported 657 cases of coronavirus today. The total is now 84,707.
There were two deaths recorded. The death toll is now 6,221.
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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