Here are the latest developments in the coronavirus outbreak in Michigan on Friday, April 17, 2020:
-- Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says she hopes to begin reopening parts of Michigan's economy on May 1. Speaking to business leaders during a tele-town hall with the Detroit Regional Chamber Friday, saying she plans to talk more about the issue next week. Earlier, she told Good Morning America she is also hoping to relax some restrictions on her stay home order at that time. MORE HERE
The governor said at a Friday news conference that opening the region's economy will be based on these four factors:
- Sustained control of rate of new infections
- Enhanced ability to test and trace COVID-19
- Sufficient healthcare capacity
- Observing social distancing best practices
-- Republican state lawmakers are proposing stripping Whitmer of some of her powers during the outbreak. DETAILS HERE
-- There are now 30,023 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Michigan, after 760 new cases were confirmed by the Michigan Department of Health and Services, as of Friday afternoon. The health department is also reporting 134 more deaths, bringing the total number deaths in the state to 2,227. DETAILS HERE.
-- Detroit police have written hundreds of tickets, and issued more than 1,600 warnings, for people not complying with the social distancing executive order in Michigan. READ MORE.
-- Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan announced Friday that, starting Monday, the city will open up drive-thru COVID-19 testing for the all essential employees still on the job; no prescription or symptoms required. Businesses that wish to have their essential employees tested should contact the city.
-- President Trump on Friday urged his supporters to "LIBERATE" Michigan and two others states led by Democratic governors, in effect encouraging protests against the stay-at-home restrictions aimed at stopping the coronavirus. READ MORE
-- Michigan Republican Senators are out with a 5-phase plan to reopen businesses in the state. Part of it: No people at festivals, concerts or sporting events until there's been no spread of the virus or a vaccine is available for 30 days. DETAILS HERE.
-- Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, meanwhile, is coordinating with six other Midewest governors on efforts to reopen the economy. There are four factors they will consider as they plan when and how to do it. READ MORE.
-- How does $2,000 a-month on a debit card sound? Then $1,000 a-month for a year after the crisis? A Michigan Congresswoman has a plan to get more money to Americans dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. DETAILS HERE.
-- Detroit Police Chief James Craig is back on the job after testing positive for the virus three weeks ago. The chief suffered from some symptoms, but is now negative and feeling well. "I really have so much to be thankful for," Craig said, adding at a news conference: "I just really want to thank Detroit for all the prayers and well-wishes."
-- Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan had some good news to report. He said the number of people being admitted to Detroit hospitals is down, ventilator use is down, demand for testing at the Fairgrounds site is down. As of April 17, he said there were only 21 patients being treated at the TCF Center field hospital.
-- A Detroit firefighter says a local hospital lost his mother's body after she died from COVID-19. HERE'S HIS STORY.
-- A Mid-Michigan man is facing felony charges after it's alleged he got drunk, got in a fight, then spit in a cop's face, telling her he may have COVID-19. READ MORE.
-- The number of people filing unemployment claims in Michigan amid pandemic is now over one million. Meanwhile, some gig workers, independent contractors and others say they've been unable to apply for benefits under the new federal program. READ MORE.
-- Union leaders for some health care workers at a Macomb County hospital are delivering a petition today with demands for more sick time, hazard pay and personal protection equipment. DETAILS HERE
-- One of the most popular festivals in Michigan has been canceled because of the coronavirus. Organizers of the National Cherry Festival in Traverse City, which was scheduled for July, say the event has been canceled because they are not fully confident it will be safe to gather and celebrate. The President and CEO of Traverse City Tourism says it's painful, but prioritizing health and safety is the honorable thing to do. Next year's festival will be held July 3-10, 2021.
-- Large and raucous crowds showed up for "Operation Gridlock" in Lansing Thursday, and national coverage of the situation is continuing. They were protesting the "Stay Home, Stay Safe" order in Michigan. Some remained in their cars in a convoy as organizers urged, while others gathered in groups on the lawn and steps of the Capitol. DETAILS HERE.
-- With hospital morgues at or near capacity amid the pandemic, the Oakland County Medical Examiner's Office is looking into maybe using an ice arena to store bodies "as a last resort," if necessary. READ MORE
-- A Clinton Township woman is devastated, mourning the loss of her mother and two aunts — all of their deaths believed to be linked to COVID-19. READ MORE.
-- Something new for the City of Detroit: An online dashboard provided by the Detroit Health Department includes a map depicting hotspots for the virus in Detroit (screenshot above), plus other detailed information. VISIT THE SITE.
-- Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan says the city must solve a $348 million budget deficit for this year and next and it's due to expenditures and lost revenue fighting the coronavirus pandemic. DETAILS HERE,
-- On the latest episode of WWJ In Depth, host Rob St. Mary talks with a nurse who tested positive for COVID-19 as she returns to work. Also: A mayor uses tech to connect with her community, a therapist has tips for love in the time of coronavirus, and more. LISTEN HERE.
-- While images abound of doctors and nurses exhausted after endless shifts helping coronavirus patients and others in the midst of an emergency, that's not the entire story. For institutions like the Detroit Medical Center, the crisis also involves furlough of hospital workers. MORE HERE
-- Some drivers are apparently taking advantage of the lack of traffic on metro Detroit roads and freeways — ignoring speed limits and flying through construction zones. "The same rules apply," State Police are warning. READ MORE.
-- While Michiganders have been instructed not to dial 911 about people violating the "Stay Home" order — people in at least one Oakland County community haven't been shy about been calling the police. READ MORE.
-- Gov. Whitmer wants to clear a few things up concerning her updated "Stay Home" executive order, in effect through April 30. First of all, there's no ban on buying American flags or baby seats. Here's a look at what's fact, and what's fiction. READ MORE.
-- Need some help figuring out how to get your stimulus check? There's a new website for that. DETAILS HERE.
-- An odd off-shoot of the "Stay Home" order in Michigan is what's being flushed down the toilet — including paper towels, latex gloves and all kinds of wipes. "You have to throw all of that in the trash." READ MORE.
-- The grocery store is going to look a little different on your next run ... Oakland County is taking additional measures to protect its employees and residents. MORE HERE.
-- A recall petition aims to oust Gov. Whitmer over her handling of the coronavirus crisis. DETAILS HERE. This comes after last Thursday she signed an executive order extending her "Stay Home, Stay Safe" order through April 30, 2020. DETAILS HERE.
-- While it's still OK to canoe, officials say motorboating is not permitted in Michigan under the "Stay Home, Stay Safe" Executive Order. GET THE DETAILS.
-- 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!
