4,250 Dead In Michigan From COVID-19; Confirmed Case Total Tops 45K

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(WWJ) While coronavirus testing increases in Michigan, newly discovered cases are declining.

According to the Wednesday's update from the Michigan Department of Health Human and Human Services, there are 657 new cases of COVID-19 in Michigan, and 71 new deaths. That brings the totals to 45,054 cases and 4,250 deaths in the state throughout the coronavirus pandemic. 

The hardest-hit area of the state remains the City of Detroit, which is counted separately. There are now 9,536 cases confirmed and 1,126 deaths in the city, the health department says.

Looking at the suburbs: The remainder of Wayne County has 8,035 cases and 847 deaths, Oakland County has 7,573 cases and 774 deaths, and Macomb County has 5,832 cases and 662 deaths as of the latest count on Wednesday.

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The hardest-hit areas outside metro Detroit are Genesee County and Kent County. Genessee County  — which includes the city of Flint —  has 1,710 confirmed cases and 208 deaths. In Kent County, 2,016 people have been confirmed infected, the state said, but only 40 people have died. 

Michigan's Chief Medical Officer Dr. Joneigh Khaldun last week said health officials are closely watching certain areas of the state — including Kent County, where there was a 48% increase in cases week-over week. They're also keeping an eye on Muskegon County and Ottowa County, where cases have been trending up, too. (See more county numbers on the map below).

May 6 Map
A look at some more stats from the state:

  • The overall fatality rate among state-confirmed cases remains at 9%
  • The oldest person to die was 107 years old, while the youngest was 5 years old.
  • The average age of those who died is 74.9 years, while the median age is 76.
  • Women make up 53% of the cases and 46% of the deaths. Men total 46% of the cases and 53% of the deaths.
  • 32% of the total cases and 41% of deaths are among African Americans, who make up 12% of Michigan's population.  
  • As of May 2, a total of 15,659 people are being reported as recovered in Michigan. The next update on that stat will come Saturday.

See the complete rundown of statistics 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.

State health officials have said COVID-19 testing has more than doubled, and is now open to first responders, health care workers and all essential employees — even those who do not have symptoms. Testing is also available to anyone in Michigan who has even just mild symptoms. FIND A TESTING SITE HERE,