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 state of Michigan reported 53,510 total cases of COVID-19 and 5,129 total deaths. As of Thursday, 501 of the cases are new and 69 deaths are new.
According to the state, 31 of those deaths didn't actually happen the day before and came from a regular review of vital records done three times per week.
The Michigan Department of Corrections, which is conducting mass testing, has recorded 3,598 cases and 61 deaths.
The state is reporting 28,234 recoveries from the virus. A recovery is someone who is 30 days out from their onset of illness. These numbers will be updated every Saturday.
Michigan started reporting the number of cases at long term care facilities. That data can be seen here.
Michigan moves into next phase of MI Safe Start Plan
On Thursday, May 21 Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed multiple executive orders that reopened auto dealerships and retail businesses by appointment only, authorized nonessential medical, dental and veterinary procedures and allows small gatherings of 10 people or less.
“The data shows that Michigan is ready to phase in these sectors of our economy, but we must stay vigilant and ensure we’re doing everything we can to protect ourselves and our families from the spread of COVID-19,” Whitmer said. “On behalf of our brave first responders on the front lines of this crisis, we must continue to all do our part by staying safer at home. We owe it to them to do what we can to stop the spread of this virus.”
Whitmer wins legal fight with lawmakers over virus
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has prevailed in a high-stakes challenge from Republican lawmakers who sued over her authority to declare emergencies and order sweeping restrictions during the coronavirus outbreak.
A judge said a 1945 law cited by Whitmer, a Democrat, is not limited to local and regional emergencies only.
Michigan April unemployment rate was a staggering 22.7%
Michigan’s unemployment rate rocketed in April, likely setting an all-time high at 22.7%, as coronavirus restrictions shut down businesses and put people out of work.
The state said the April jobless rate likely set a record when compared to estimates recorded since at least 1976. The previous high was 16.5% in December 1982.
Trump visits Ford plant
Pandemic politics shadowed President Donald Trump's trip to Michigan on Thursday to highlight lifesaving medical devices, with the president and officials from the electoral battleground state clashing over federal aid, mail-in ballots and face masks.
Trump is on his way to Ypsilanti, outside Detroit, to tour a Ford Motor Co. factory that had been repurposed to manufacture ventilators, the medical breathing machines governors begged for during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ford temporarily halts work at 2 plants
Ford temporarily halted production at two assembly plants Tuesday and Wednesday after three workers tested positive for the novel coronavirus.
The Big 3 automakers restarted their plants on Monday -- a big step in the motor city's return from the pandemic, but the shutdown show the difficulty that automakers and other businesses will have in trying to reopen factories.
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.
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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