Here are the latest developments in the coronavirus outbreak in Michigan on Tuesday, May 26, 2020:
-- If you've been working outside your home for at least 10 days, you're now eligible to be tested for COVID-19 — even if you don't have symptoms or a prescription. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Tuesday announced expanded testing in the state. DETAILS HERE
-- Michigan health officials on Tuesday reported 223 new cases of COVID-19 in Michigan, and 26 new deaths. That brings the totals to 55,104 cases and 5,266 deaths stateside throughout the pandemic. The city of Detroit — once a major hotspot— announced just one COVID-19 death in the past 24 hours.
-- Ready to shop, and not just for groceries? A couple of malls in metro Detroit have plans to reopen for the first time since shutdowns due to COVID-19, on Thursday May 29. DETAILS HERE
-- "Swimming pools are just like toilet paper was eight weeks ago: it has been absolutely, positively insane." The backyard pool businesses is booming due to a surge in demand created by virus orders and closures. READ MORE
-- Who's ready to fly? Turns out a lot of you are, but many aren't: A new survey from the travel site TheVacationer.com finds nearly 35% saying they will wait for a cure or a vaccine to COVID-19 before they travel. But, of those who said yes to traveling now... almost 17% say they would if everyone on board had to wear a mask. Just over 34% percent say they would fly with mandatory masks and no one in the middle seat. As for that middle seat... would you pay extra to keep it empty? MORE HERE
-- Reports came in Friday that former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick has been granted a compassionate from federal prison due to the pandemic. People close to him hope he can get out as early as June 10. LATEST HERE
-- Pandemic politics shadowed President Donald Trump's trip to Michigan last week as he highlighted lifesaving medical devices, with the president and officials from the electoral battleground state clashing over federal aid, mail-in ballots and face masks. DETAILS
-- With more and more people looking to go camping, one place will be off limits until late June. Camp Dearborn will not allow any camping until June 21 at the earliest. Those with reservations before that will get full refunds. Campers can begin reserving cabins and campsites next Tuesday. MORE HERE
Also, Camp-Dearborn tents will NOT be available this summer. In addition, several activities won't take place because of the coronavirus. Those include the zip line, pool, recreation field activities and canteen dances.
-- A judge has ruled in favor of Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in a lawsuit brought by Republican legislative leaders that challenged her emergency authority during the pandemic. But the battle is not over yet. LATEST HERE
-- 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
-- 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
-- As curve continues to flatten, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan has a post-lockdown future in mind. Duggan 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. Meanwhile, Mayor 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
-- Gov. Whitmer last Thursday announced that she is partially reopening more businesses and lifting medical restrictions all across Michigan — as well as allowing small gatherings. However, she also said an extension of her stay-home order is likely .GET THE DETAILS. Also announced last week: a partial reopening of the Upper Peninsula, and other parts of northern Michigan, including bars and restaurants as of May 22. LATEST HERE
-- 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
-- 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
-- While many Big 3 autoworkers are glad to be back on the job, 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
-- 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, 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
--- 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 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. 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!
