(WWJ) The pandemic counts continue their uphill climb in Michigan for another day, as officials report 153 more people have died, and 1,058 more have tested positive for the novel coronavirus.
New numbers out from the Michigan Department of Health and Services Wednesday afternoon bring the statewide totals to 28,059 confirmed cases of COVID-19, and 1,921 related deaths since the pandemic began.
The largest number of cases and deaths remains in the city of Detroit, which (counted separately) now has 7,136 cases and 475 deaths.
However, Mayor Mike Duggan says there are some bright spots.
Speaking at a news conference as the new numbers were released, Duggan said the number of patients coming into hospitals is going down, as is the number of patients on ventilators. As of today, the mayor said, there are only 16 people being cared for at the overflow field hospital at the TCF Center in Detroit.
Looking at deaths by age, the oldest person to die in Michigan was 107 years old, and the youngest was 20. The average age of those who have died has gone up just a bit to 73.5 years old., while the median age is 75 years old.
Looking at the rate of recovery: The health department says, as of April 10, a total of 433 people who tested positive in the state have officially recovered. The "recovered" figure is defined by the number of people with a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis who are alive 30 days post-onset (or referral date, if onset is not available). This statistic will be updated every Saturday, the state said.
See more stats, including more information on age, cases by sex and cases by county at THIS LINK.
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.
