(WWJ) All Detroit residents age 60 and older can now get tested for COVID-19, free of charge and without an appointment or a prescription.
Making the announcement at a news conference Wednesday, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan said the city is significantly expanding testing access for thousands of Detroiters at the former state Fairgrounds —
Why? Duggan said key in fighting the virus is knowing who is carrying it. As the the city reopens businesses in phases, "we have to make sure we don't have to close them again," the mayor said.
This latest comes as the number of COVID-19 cases in the city of Detroit has passed the 10,000 mark. Mayor Duggan said there are now 10,001 cases in the city, and 1,220 Detroiters have died. (Get information on getting tested in Detroit HERE. For more stats from the city, check out the Detroit COVID-19 dashboard HERE.)
Statewide, Wednesday's report by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says there are 370 new cases of COVID-19 in Michigan, and 40 new deaths. That brings the totals to 48,391 cases and 4,714 deaths in Michigan.
Looking at cases by county: The remainder of Wayne County has 8,416 cases and 938 deaths, Macomb County has 6,137 cases and 717 deaths, and Oakland County reports 7,830 cases and 874 deaths as of Wednesday. Health officials, meanwhile, are keeping an eye on a few communities on the west side of the state, where numbers have been trending up a bit. (Take a look at more county numbers on the map below).
Here's a summary of some more stats from the state:
- The overall fatality rate among state-confirmed cases is now at 10%
- The oldest person to die was 107 years old, while the youngest was 5 years old.
- The average age of those who died is now 75.1 years old, while the median age is 76.
- Women make up 53% of the cases and 47% 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 Black/African Americans, who make up 12% of Michigan's population.
- 22,686 people are considered recovered from COVID-19 after surviving 30 days post diagnosis. (This statistic is updated weekly, on Saturdays).
Get the complete COVID-19 numbers update from the state AT THIS LINK.
The three main symptoms of COVID-19 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.
Health officials say Michigan is now performing 15,000 tests per-day, with the goal is to test 450,000 residents in May. Testing 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.
Michiganders should note what Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is now calling "Safer at Home" order remains in effect through May 28.
