Here are the latest developments in the coronavirus outbreak in Michigan on Tuesday, April 28, 2020:
-- Some City of Detroit employees are headed back to work next week, under Mayor Mike Duggan's plan to reengaged the city's economy. But it won't be without precautions — including daily temperature checks. READ MORE.
-- A doctor at a Macomb County clinic raided by the FBI over alleged bogus COVID-19 treatments is facing health care fraud and conspiracy charges. READ MORE.
-- A day after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer offered a glimpse of the gradual reopening of Michigan's economy, she called into WWJ 950 to discuss the next steps, talk about schools, and even look back at the decisions made so far. The governor stands by decisions to shut down the state and its auto industry powerhouse, an engine that drives America, no matter how many come forward to say it was too harsh. -- Schools reopening, however is out of the question. DETAILS
-- Another increase in the counts on Tuesday: The health department says there are 1,052 new cases of COVID-19, and 160 new deaths, bringing the totals to 39,262 confirmed cases, and 3,567 deaths in Michigan. This comes after Michigan reported its lowest numbers of new cases in a month on Monday. LATEST HERE.
-- The state is also releasing new information regarding Michigan nursing homes hit hard by COVID-19; including names of facilities with cases, and how many cases were confirmed in each facility. READ MORE.
-- The Blue Angels flyover that was planned for Detroit on Wednesday of this week has been canceled, but will be rescheduled. MORE HERE.
-- A driver was ticketed for driving 180 miles per hour on I-75, according to State Police, who are reporting an increase in speeding amid the COVID-19 pandemic. READ MORE.
-- Ford Motor Co. posted a $2 billion first-quarter net loss, blaming nearly all of it on the negative effects of the coronavirus. DETAILS HERE.
-- Construction is one of the first sector's on the list Gov. Whitmer gave a first look at what the gradual reopening of Michigan's economy will look like. She's also asking the Legislature to extend the State of Emergency a further 28 days, through Memorial Day. READ MORE.
-- 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 today, 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.
-- There are pickup locations from Detroit 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.
-- On the same day that headlines screamed about Gov. Whitmer's extension of the stay in place order to May 15, she quietly defunded the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) most successful veteran's outreach program, the group says. DETAILS
-- A popular downtown restaurant is laying off its staff -- permanently. Punch Bowl Social in Detroit will lay off 97 workers, another victim of coronavirus budget slashing by a larger corporation. SEE MORE
-- As Michigan begins to think about reopening in phases, Gov. Whitmer is taking steps to make sure essential businesses are keeping customers and employees safe. She signed Executive Order 2020-60 Sunday to ensure enhanced cleaning, social distancing and screening measures at grocery stores and pharmacies. MORE HERE
-- Blue and red lights flashing, and tears in many eyes. In a "Ride For Skylar", a long line of police cars and fire trucks paid tribute to a small Detroit girl lost to coronavirus. VIDEO HERE.
-- Drinking more these days? A new survey shows orders to stay home during the coronavirus pandemic have led to more adults consuming alcohol and drugs to cope with stress. READ MORE.
-- No cough or fever? That's OK. Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan says it's time to begin testing essential workers who do not have symptoms of COVID-19 — and they'll be doing it in Detroit at the Fairgrounds site. READ MORE. The mayor said hundreds of companies signed up this week to test more than 10,000 employees.
- Michigan's Chief Medical Officer Dr. Joneigh Khaldun said COVID-19 testing is being opened up to first responders, health care workers and all essential employees — even those who do not have symptoms. FIND A TESTING SITE.
-- Need some help figuring out how to get your stimulus check? There's a new 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!
