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Coronavirus updates, Aug. 7: Whitmer extends coronavirus emergency, citing 'uptick' in cases

Here are the live updates for Friday, Aug. 7
Credit: WZZM/CDC

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 reports 762 daily cases of COVID-19 to make the total 86,191. 

There were zero deaths recorded Friday. The statewide death toll is 6,247. 

See cumulative data here

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.  

Cases at Muskegon Correctional Facility rise to 217

Muskegon Correctional Facility had its first cases of COVID-19 last week, which prompted officials to do mass testing at the facility. 

The first round of results found 155 positive cases on Wednesday. That number rose to 217 Friday. 

The cases at Muskegon's state prison account for most of MDOC's 228 active cases. 

RELATED: Coronavirus outbreak at Muskegon prison leads to 155 confirmed cases

Whitmer extends coronavirus emergency through Sept. 4

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has extended Michigan’s coronavirus emergency through Sept. 4, enabling her to keep in place restrictions designed to curb COVID-19. 

The Democratic governor on Friday pointed to an uptick in cases. Whitmer has used the emergency declaration to issue orders to close certain businesses, limit gathering sizes and require masks in enclosed public spaces and crowded outdoor places.

Read more here.

Model projects US could have nearly 300,000 coronavirus deaths by December

A key coronavirus model that's been cited by the White House now projects nearly 300,000 Americans may die from coronavirus by December.

The University of Washington's Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation said on Thursday it is now projecting 295,011 COVID-19 deaths by Dec. 1, but said more than 66,000 lives could be saved if people consistently wear a mask.

 Read more here

Michigan National Guard assisting with free COVID-19 testing in Southwest Michigan 

The Michigan National Guard will be assisting with free COVID-19 testing in Watersmeet and Allegan on Saturday, Aug. 8.

Testing in Watermseet will be at Northern Waters Casino, 5384 US-45, Watersmeet, MI 49969 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Central Time).

Testing in Allegan will be at Allegan County Human Services, 3255 122nd Ave. #300, Allegan, MI 49010 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Eastern time). 

Both sites will offer drive-thru testing at no cost. Appointments are not required. 

Food assistance extended for 350,000 Michigan families through August 

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said Friday about 350,000 families will continue to have access to additional food assistance benefits during the month of August.

Michigan previously approve additional assistance from March through July as a response to COVID-19. This is being extended with the approval from the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service. 

Those eligible will continue to see food assistance benefits on their Bridge Card by Aug. 30, with some seeing payments on Aug. 20. 

Free drive-thru COVID-19 testing in Newaygo, Baldwin 

District Health Department #10 (DHD#10) is offering free drive-through community testing for COVID-19 on Thursday, Aug. 13, in Newaygo and Friday, Aug. 14, in Baldwin. 

Testing is available to anyone age 18 or older and not limited to symptomatic individuals. Picture ID is required. It's on a first come, first serve basis. 

Read more here.

Thursday's cases

In the state's Thursday update, 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.

Read more from Thursday's update here.

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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