Here are the latest developments in the coronavirus outbreak in Michigan on Wednesday, May 20, 2020:
-- There are 659 new cases of COVID-19 reported in Michigan Wednesday, and 43 new deaths. That brings the totals to 53,009 cases and 5,060 deaths, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
-- As curve continues to flatten, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan has a post-lockdown future in mind. Duggan on Wednesday announced a plan to help more small businesses in the city safely and successfully reopen, as soon as Gov. Gretchen Whitmer gives the OK. READ MORE
-- It's going to be a spectacular show, with some tweaks. Officials announced that Detroit's 2020 Ford Fireworks display will go on after all on Aug. 31 — but with no crowds allowed. DETAILS
-- President Trump will visit Michigan to tour a Ford assembly plant in Ypsilanti Thursday, where they've been making ventilators and PPE to help the U.S. respond to the COVID-19 crisis. But will he wear a mask as is Ford's policy? READ MORE
-- Crowd-funded billboards seen around metro Detroit are encouraging everyone in Michigan to reopen their businesses on May 21 — regardless what the governor's executive orders say. The man behind the push is calling it "Take Yourself To Work Day." READ MORE.
-- It was an odd sight in Lansing as about a dozen disgruntled barbers and stylists cut people's hair Wednesday at the Michigan Capitol. Seven people were ticketed after being warned by State Police. PHOTOS & MORE
-- With some restrictions being loosened in Traverse City, businesses are excited to welcome people back: "It'll probably look a little bit different, but we're being creative and innovative and trying to make sure that we can give the best experience possible to people that come Up North." READ MORE
-- State officials will be re-opening a portion of Michigan later this week. Gov. Whitmer on Monday announced a partial reopening of the Upper Peninsula, and other parts of northern Michigan, including bars and restaurants on Friday, May 22. LATEST HERE
-- Does the idea of strolling down the street with a daiquiri appeal to you? A state rep. has proposed a plan to allow outdoor drinking districts he says will help Michigan's struggling bars and restaurants in the time of COVID-19. LEARN MORE
-- Detroit's safety protocols are so strong that city workers are safer at work than they are at home, Mayor Duggan said reassuringly this week about one of the hardest-hit areas in the country. So, why not push those protocols across the state and let everyone get back to work? Gov. Whitmer told WWJ's morning show the answer during a live where she also addressed questions about what schools may look like this fall, why less populated areas were locked down along with hot spots, and whether she's going to meet with Donald Trump -- with whom she has a contentious relationship -- during a local stop he has planned. DETAILS HERE
-- It's still a holiday, even during a pandemic. Check out everything you can do to have on Memorial Day in Michigan HERE
-- A Texas salon owner who was jailed for opening her business during the pandemic is throwing her support behind a Michigan barber whose license was suspended. MORE HERE
-- While many Big 3 autoworkers are glad to be back on the job Monday, an industry analyst says it's going to be "a nightmare" to get plant operations back up and running after the 10-week coronavirus shutdown. READ MORE
-- Could an on-off school schedule prevent a massive spread of coronavirus this fall? That's the way some educators are leaning as schools work with public health officials and the governor's office to develop a plan for the reopening of classrooms -- or at least learning -- this fall. DETAILS
-- More than 28,200 Michiganders are now considered survivors of COVID-19. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) says 28,234 Michiganders are deemed recovered from the virus. That's up from 22,700 last Saturday. SEE THE NUMBERS HERE
-- A Pontiac man is facing charges for allegedly assaulting and spitting on a doctor and nurses while being treated for COVID-19 at McLaren Oakland Hospital.MORE HERE
-- Sports returned! Well, sort of. NASCAR ran its first race this weekend, and two Henry Ford Health System nurses will have their names displayed on the cars of two of NASCAR's star drivers this Sunday in a salute to frontline workers. MORE HERE
-- A photo of a Michigan priest using a water gun filled with holy water has gone viral. SEE IT HERE
-- Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and other community leaders are working hard to make testing available close to home for city residents. "It is really important we stop the spread in the city," Duggan said. "Separating the infectious from the non-infectious is the centerpiece." MORE HERE
--- More than 31,000 state employees are impacted by a belt-tightening move by the government Michigan due to COVID-19. Non-managers will be forced to take two layoff days period, which is expected to save the state around $80 million. DETAILS HERE.
-- Officials at MGM Grand say things will look a lot different when they are finally able to reopen in Detroit. MGM on Tuesday released a seven-point safety plan for facilities that include the MGM Grand Detroit casino. READ MORE.
-- How soon will you feel comfortable dining out? A bar and restaurant group in Michigan is asking Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to let them reopen on May 29, laying out a plan to do it safely. READ MORE.
-- Many businesses have temporarily closed their doors as the coronavirus pandemic rages on, but there are plenty of restaurants still open across metro Detroit for carryout and curbside pickup. Hungry? CHECK THE LIST.
-- The three main symptoms of coronavirus are fever, cough and shortness of breath. In order to mitigate risk of spreading COVID-19, everyone is encouraged to take action to reduce the spread, including: wash your hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitizer; avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands; cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing; avoid handshakes; avoid contact with people who are sick; and stay home when you are sick. Officials are urging social distancing -- staying at least six feet away from other people -- to help flatten the curve.
This is a rapidly evolving situation. Stay tuned to WWJ Newsradio 950 where we will remain live, local and committed to bringing you the latest information during this outbreak. >>LISTEN LIVE!
