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Coronavirus updates, May 6: State death toll surpasses 18,000 & 3,514 cases reported

Here are the COVID-19 updates for Thursday, May 6.
Credit: WZZM/CDC

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.

Thursday's Cases

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported 3,514 new daily cases and 115 deaths for Thursday. Of the deaths announced 92 were from a records review. 

The death toll is now at 18,054 and 858,050 total cases have been recorded by the state.

New mask rules in effect 

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced Tuesday that masks will no longer be required at outdoor events of under 100 people. In addition, fully vaccinated people who are not experiencing symptoms are not required to wear masks at residential gatherings. This includes indoors.

The update also says athletes who are fully vaccinated and not experiencing symptoms will not need to be regularly tested for COVID-19. Masks will still be required for contact sports, but not for outdoor, non-contact sports. 

Read more. 

Michigan Senate votes to exempt graduations from virus order

A split Michigan Senate has voted to exempt high school graduation ceremonies from the state's order that restricts crowd sizes due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Republicans who control the chamber supported the bill that was sent to the GOP-led House on Wednesday, while all but one Democrat opposed it. 

Read more.  

Wednesday's Cases

Wednesday, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported 2,589 new daily cases and 42 deaths.

The death toll is now at 17,939 and 854,536 total cases have been recorded by the state.

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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