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 reports 223 new cases of COVID-19, making the total 55,104.
There were 26 daily deaths recorded; the statewide death toll is now 5,226.
The Michigan Department of Corrections has tested every inmate within its system. While results are still pending on many inmates, MDOC reports 3,305 positive cases of COVID-19 and 64 deaths.The Federal Corrections Institute reported 138 cases and four deaths.
The latest data on recoveries is from Friday, May 23. It shows that 33,168 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.
The number of hospitalizations has dropped below 1,000, with 953 COVID-19 patients in Michigan hospitals. There are 319 people on ventilators and 449 in critical care.
The latest data on testing is from Friday, May 22, and it shows 23,860 total tests were performed. The state recently started separating diagnostic tests and antibody tests; 18,657 of Friday's test results were diagnostic.
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 state emphasizes that the report of cumulative data is "provisional and subject to change. As public health investigations of individual cases continue, there will be corrections to the status and details of referred cases that result in changes to this report."
Michigan launches new interactive map with county-level COVID-19 data
Michigan launched a new interactive map on Tuesday, in partnership with the University of Michigan, that provides regional and county-level data on COVID-19.
It shows the cases per million based on region and county as well as the risk benchmarks for people living in those communities.
Michigan removes more barriers for getting a COVID-19 test
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive order Tuesday that expands the types of medical professionals who can order tests and creates a new category of community testing sites.
Under this order, testing sites will offer testing to anyone with reason to be tested without an advance doctor’s order, and tests will be done without charging an out-of-pocket cost.
Gov. Whitmer to provide update on state's response
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, joined by Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, will provide an update regarding the state's response efforts to COVID-19 at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26.
Retail businesses reopening with restrictions
An executive order reopening retail businesses and auto dealership by appointment statewide goes into effect Tuesday, May 26. However, there will be restrictions business owners will need to follow, including customer capacities, enforcing the face covering mandate and additional accommodations for vulnerable populations.
Detroit-area hospital system has less than 100 COVID-19 patients
Beaumont Health has less than 100 COVID-19 patients fro the first time in more than two months. Henry Ford Health System said it had 96 patients Tuesday morning.
According to the Associated Press, the peak was 752 COVID-19 patients on April 7. Beaumont Health has been under 300 patients since May 20.
The Rapid to start giving away free cloth masks
The Rapid will make 500 reusable cloth masks available to riders at the Rapid Central Station in Grand Rapids, free of charge. The masks will be available starting Tuesday, May 26 at the Information Center from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., while supplies last.
As of April 27, The Rapid has required all passengers who are medically able to wear a mask while riding the bus. Bus drivers are provided a mask while working.
The Rapid also announced its new summer service schedule will go into effect on Tuesday, May 26.
Monday's cases
In the state's daily update Monday, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported 202 new cases of COVID-19, bring the total to 54,881. MDHHS also reported 12 new deaths, bringing the death toll to 5,240.
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.
MORE on 13 ON YOUR SIDE:
- US company begins human trials for coronavirus vaccine in Australia
- WHO warns 1st worldwide coronavirus wave not over
- Michigan in 'dire need' for blood donations due to pandemic, flooding
- Federal coronavirus plan for testing lays burden on states
- Two out-of-state Grand Traverse County visitors test positive for COVID-19
- Group of gyms sue Whitmer, state health department director over stay at home order
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