Here are the latest developments in the coronavirus outbreak in Michigan on Monday, April 20, 2020:
-- Gov. Gretchen Whitmer compared the fight against COVID-19 to the sacrifice needed during World War II, criticizing protesters who flocked to the Michigan Capitol last week to denounce her weeks-long restrictions against work and gatherings. "President Trump called this a war and it is exactly that. So let's act like it," she said. READ MORE.
-- A new poll reveals more Michiganders like the way Gov. Whitmer has been handling the virus crisis then they like President Donald Trump's response. Also revealed: When people expect the state to reopen, how many people believe they caught the virus and more. POLL RESULTS HERE.
-- Although the counts are still climbing, the numbers show Michigan's coronavirus case growth is slowing. According an update by the state health department Monday, there are 576 new cases of COVID-19 in Michigan, bringing the total to 32,000 total infections statewide. That includes 77 new deaths for a total of 2,468. DETAILS HERE.
-- The state reports 3,237 people have recovered from COVID-19 as of April 17. The recovery numbers are reported weekly by MDHHS and are defined as those alive 30 days post-onset. (This stat is updated once a week on Saturdays).
-- The youngest person claimed by COVID-19 in Michigan died yesterday, WWJ Newsradio 950's Rob St. Mary reports. Skylar Herbert lost her battle at only 5 years old. DETAILS HERE
-- No cough or fever? That's OK. Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan says it's time to begin testing people who do not have symptoms of COVID-19 — and they'll be doing it in Detroit at the Fairgrounds site. READ MORE.
-- Macomb County is also expanding testing. People will be able to get tested at the MyCare Health center whether or not they have a primary care doctor. In addition, the Rite Aid on Romeo Plank Road in Macomb Twp. is also offering testing.patients are encouraged to schedule an appointment before going. MORE HERE.
- 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.
-- All jury service is Wayne County Circuit Court has been suspended until the week of August 17, 2020, due to the coronavirus pandemic. MORE HERE.
-- Rocker Bon Jovi announced Monday he's canceling his summer tour due to the coronavirus; including a scheduled stop in Detroit July 19 at Little Caesars Arena. "We look forward to seeing everyone again on tour when we can all safely be together," the singer said, in a statement. Tickets will be refunded.
-- Volunteer nurses and workers at the Baldwin Public Library in Birmingham are on a mission to help frontline healthcare workers in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. MORE HERE
-- Pushback continues on the governor's stay home, stay safe order. The Michigan United Conservation Club (MUCC) has moved to file a lawsuit challenging Whitmer's ban of motorboats in her most recent Executive Order. In a press release; the state's largest conservation nonprofit says they've received hundreds of complaints. DETAILS
-- 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 Friday 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
-- 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.
-- 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.
-- 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 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 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.
-- 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
-- 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.
-- 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.
-- 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.
-- Need some help figuring out how to get your stimulus check? There's a new website for that. DETAILS HERE.
-- A recall petition aims to oust Gov. Whitmer over her handling of the coronavirus crisis. DETAILS HERE. This comes after she signed an executive order extending her "Stay Home, Stay Safe" order through April 30, 2020. 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!
