Here are the latest developments in the coronavirus outbreak in Michigan on Monday, May 4, 2020:
-- Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Monday annouced more than $3.3 million in financial relief going to 657 bar and restaurant owners across the state. The money is meant "to help tide them over" until they can reopen. DETAILS HERE.
-- A U.S. Congressman from Michigan has filed a federal lawsuit against Gov. Whitmer concerning her COVID-19 executive orders. "He basically says, in a nutshell, that the governor simply went too far." READ MORE.
-- Three people have been charged with murder in the shooting death of a Flint security guard in a dispute over a face mask policy. After he argued with a shopper about wearing a mask, police say, Calvin Munerlyn was gunned down. READ MORE.
-- Told he must wear a mask, police say a northern Oakland County Dollar Tree shopper replied: "Here, I will use this as a mask" — and wiped his nose on the clerk's shirtsleeve. They're asking for tips to ID him. VIDEO HERE.
-- For the first time since the pandemic began nine weeks ago, gas prices are on the rise. AAA says drivers in Michigan are now paying an average price of $1.53 per gallon for regular unleaded. A spot check by WWJ 950 this weekend revealed prices as low as $1.39 a gallon downriver and as high as $1.99 in downtown Royal Oak. DETAILS
-- As the weather heated up for the first time under the coronavirus quarantine this weekend, Detroit police had their hands full with a homicide and several other shootings. Officers are investigating five shootings over the last few days, all outside, one of which happened when people got into an argument about who had the car keys. MORE HERE
-- On Sunday, Michigan reported its lowest daily increase in COVID-19 deaths since March 29. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said 29 more residents had died from the virus since Saturday. SEE THE LATEST NUMBERS
-- Michigan's economy is starting back up again — slowly. Gov. Whitmer on Friday issued an executive order easing some restrictions to allow people who work in certain types of jobs — including real estate and construction — to go back to work on May 7. DETAILS HERE.
-- There are pickup locations from Detroit to Orion, to Romeo as Forgotten Harvest works to get groceries to struggling families. For anyone who might need a little help with food this week, see the distribution SCHEDULE HERE.
-- The pandemic could revolutionize the way Americans approach work moving forward, according to a survey conducted by global staffing firm Robert Half. MORE
-- The empty beds at the county's only surge capacity hospital, The Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, may be proof that Oakland County has 'flattened its curve,' as officials declare they're past the worst of it. DETAILS
-- The number of Michigan residents considered recovered from COVID-19 has nearly doubled since last Saturday, with more than 15,659 Michiganders now officially declared survivors of the coronavirus. This includes everyone who was diagnosed on or before April 1. MORE HERE
-- Bars and casinos in Michigan will stay closed, and restaurants will be limited to carryout and delivery only at least until May 28. One of three new executive orders signed by Gov. Whitmer Thursday night extended the State of Emergency for another 28 days. DETAILS HERE.
-- After images of armed protesters at Michigan's Capitol made headlines worldwide, Gov. Whitmer on Friday expressed disappointment. "Yesterday's scene at the Capitol was disturbing, to be quite honest," Whitmer said. "Swastikas and Confederate flags, nooses and automatic rifles do not represent who we are as Michiganders." READ MORE.
-- While the governor and Republican leaders are bickering over who has authority in a state of emergency, the two sides are also preparing to battle it out over severe cuts to state services due to the economic impact of the coronavirus on the state budget. DETAILS HERE
-- Despite legislative pushback and public protests, the actions taken by Gov. Whitmer during the outbreak are justified. That's the ruling from the Michigan Court of Claims, which also refused to grant a preliminary injunction against her orders. DETAILS
-- For the first time, a major U.S. study has found that an experimental drug works against the new coronavirus — and federal government officials said Wednesday that they would work to make it available to appropriate patients as quickly as possible. READ MORE.
- Michigan State Police are investigating after three protesters refused to leave and were forcibly removed from the House of Representatives gallery in Lansing Wednesday. One woman, heard on video screaming, claimed she was assaulted. MORE HERE.
-- A 3-month-old boy who was beaten to death in a Warren motel by his teenage father is confirmed to have been suffering from coronavirus when he was killed, police said. DETAILS HERE
-- In the governor's latest stay-home order, she loosened restrictions on golf courses, boating and some work, like landscaping, while tightening rules about face coverings. Beginning Friday, Michiganders are required to wear masks in enclosed public spaces. DETAILS HERE. Masks, however, are not easy to find. See Michigan AG Dana Nessel's solution HERE.
-- Need some help figuring out how to get your stimulus check? There's a website for that. DETAILS HERE.
-- 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!
