Health Department: More Than 5,000 Dead In Michigan From COVID-19

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(WWJ) Michigan has passed the grim milestone of 5,000 deaths from COVID-19, even as the state begins to reopen. 

There are 435 new cases of COVID-19 in Michigan, and 102 new deaths. That brings the totals to 52,350 cases and 5,017 deaths, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.  The health department says 43 of the deaths being reported today are from ongoing review of Vital Records and test results.

Health officials say key to keeping the virus in check are ramped up testing — to identify who has the virus — and continuing to wear masks and practice social distancing, while slowly relaunching the state's economy.

The state is working toward its goal of testing 450,000 residents in the month of May. 

In the City of Detroit, which has been the hardest-hit area of the state, testing is now open to any Detroit resident who makes an appointment — regardless of age, symptoms or prescription (Call to schedule your appointment at 313-230-0505 at the state Fairgrounds). Elsewhere in Michigan, testing is now open to all essential workers, as well as anyone who has even mild symptoms. If you don't live in Detroit, find a testing site HERE.

The city of Detroit, which is reported separately, now has10,417 cases and 1,276 deaths.

In all, the city recorded an additional 50 cases of COVID 19, and 15 deaths over the past 24 hours, but officials say all but one of those deaths happened some time ago and were the recently re-classified. City officials are crediting residents wearing masks and social distancing for flattening the curve.

Looking a the suburbs: The remainder of Wayne County has 8,875 cases and 999 deaths, Macomb County has 6,367 cases and 753 deaths, and Oakland County reports 8,078 cases and 938 deaths as of Monday.  (Find more county numbers on the map below).

Here's a look at some more of the latest stats from the state:

  • 28,234 people are considered recovered from COVID-19 after surviving 30 days post diagnosis. (This statistic is only updated on Saturdays).
  • The overall fatality rate among state-confirmed cases is 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 75.3 years old, while the median age is 77.
  • Women make up 53% of the cases and 47% of the deaths. Men total 47% of the cases and 53% of the deaths.
  • 31% of the total cases and 40% of deaths are among Black/African Americans, who make up 12% of Michigan's population.  

Get the complete COVID-19 update from the state, including about how the numbers are calculated, AT THIS LINK. 

This comes as officials prepare to partially reopen bars and restaurants and the Upper Peninsula, and parts of northern Lower Michigan — where cases have been sparse — beginning this Friday. A new executive order signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Monday loosens some restrictions Up North, but does not impact hair salons, barber shops or movie theaters. 

While the stay-home order remains in effect, Whitmer said she and her team are still looking at opening up some more businesses in other regions ahead of the holiday. "As we approach Memorial Day weekend, I encourage everyone to be smart and be safe. My team and I will continue to work around the clock to protect the people of Michigan," Whitmer said at her latest news briefing. 

The three main symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough and shortness of breath. In order to mitigate risk of spreading the virus, 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. Get answers to frequently asked questions about the coronavirus in Michigan, at this link.