Michigan coronavirus cases up to 504,410; The death toll is now 12,867

The number of confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Michigan has risen to 504,410 as of Tuesday, including 12,867 deaths, state officials report.

Tuesday’s update includes 2,291 new cases and 189 additional deaths, including 117 from a Vital Records review. On Monday, the state reported a total of 502,119 cases and 12,678 deaths.

New cases of COVID-19 are slowing, but deaths remain high in Michigan. Tests have slowed over the holidays, with more than 35,000 diagnostic tests reported per day, with a positive rate rising by around 9% in recent days. Hospitalizations have slowly declined, but remain relatively high, even in critical care and ventilator use.

Michigan’s 7-day moving average for daily cases was 3,087 on Monday, slightly higher than the previous week. The seven-day average death toll was 77. The state’s mortality rate is 2.5%. The state also reports “active cases,” which peaked Monday at 126,000. More than 363,000 have recovered in Michigan.

According to Johns Hopkins University, more than 20.8 million cases have been reported in the U.S., with more than 353,900 deaths reported by the virus.

Worldwide, more than 85 million people have been confirmed infected and more than 1.85 million have died. More than 48 million have been recovered, according to Johns Hopkins University. The actual figures are certainly much higher, due to limited evidence, of different ways in which nations count the dead, and the deliberate under-reporting of some governments.

• December 5 – 6,004 new cases
• December 7 – 9,350 new cases (case count for two days)
• December 8: 5,909 new cases
• December 9: 4,905 new cases
• December 10: 5,937 new cases
• December 11: 5,157 new cases
• December 12: 4,486 new cases
• December 14 – 7,205 new cases (case count for two days)
• December 15: 4,730 new cases
• December 16: 4,037 new cases
• December 17: 4,024 new cases
• December 18: 4,180 new cases
• December 19: 3,896 new cases
• December 21 – 4,551 new cases (case count for two days)
• December 22: 3,082 new cases
• December 23: 3,443 new cases
• December 26 – 7,341 new cases (case count for three days)
• December 28 – 3,239 new cases (case count for two days)
• December 29: 3,414 new cases
• December 30: 4,222 new cases
• January 2 – 8,983 new cases (case count for three days)
• January 4 – 4,992 new cases (case count for two days)
• January 5: 2,291 new cases

• Follow-up of cases and deaths from Michigan COVID-19 nursing homes
• Tracking data from COVID-19 Hospital in Michigan

For most people, coronavirus causes mild to moderate symptoms that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more serious illnesses, including pneumonia and death.

Having trouble viewing the following data? Click here to see.

The following is a chronology of confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Michigan:

• Full coverage: Coronavirus in Michigan

Here are COVID-19 Michigan cases broken down by sex (see them here if you don’t see the table):

Person-to-person dissemination

The virus is thought to spread mainly from person to person.

• Between people who are in close contact with each other (about 6 feet).
• Through respiratory drops produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

These drops can land in the mouth or nose of nearby people or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

Can anyone spread the virus without being sick?

• People are believed to be more contagious when they are more symptomatic (the sickest).
• Some spread may be possible before people show symptoms; there have been reports of this with this new coronavirus, but this is not believed to be the main means of spreading the virus.

It spreads by contact with contaminated surfaces or objects

It may be possible for a person to get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus and then touch their own mouth, nose, or possibly eyes, but this is not believed to be the main form of the virus spreads.

How easily the virus spreads

The ease with which a virus spreads from person to person can vary. Some viruses are highly contagious (they spread easily), like measles, while other viruses do not spread as easily. Another factor is whether the spread is sustained, spreading continuously non-stop.

Prevention and treatment

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent disease is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends daily preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses, including:

• Avoid close contact with sick people.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneezing with a cloth and then throw it in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces that are frequently touched with a regular household cleaner or spray.
• Wear a mask or face liner when in public.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.

MONTH: Beaumont Health launches coronavirus hotline for patients with symptoms

People who think they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should contact their doctor immediately.

Do you have any questions about coronavirus? Ask Dr. McGeorge here.

Read more about coronavirus here.

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