(WWJ) There are 773 new cases of COVID-19 in Michigan, and 24 new deaths. That brings the totals to 51,915 cases and 4,915 deaths, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
While Monday's count is a bit of an uptick over recent daily counts, officials say 513 of the new cases are due to enhanced testing in Michigan Department of Corrections facilities.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said Monday that Michigan now ranks sixth in the U.S. for total daily tests and seventh for daily tests per million people.
Taking a closer look at the numbers: In the city of Detroit, which is reported separately, there are now 10,368 cases in the city, and 1,260 deaths. The remainder of Wayne County has 8,760 cases and 966 deaths, Macomb County has 6,357 cases and 740 deaths, and Oakland County reports 8,050 cases and 913 deaths as of Monday. Health officials continue to keep an eye on a few communities on the west side of the state where numbers have been trending up a bit. (Find more county numbers on the map below).
This comes as state officials will re-open 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 Monday by Gov. Whitmer, which loosens some restrictions in two regions, does not impact hair salons, barber shops or movie theaters.
“The data shows that these regions in Michigan are seeing consistent encouraging trends when it comes to the number of cases, deaths, and the percent of tests that are positive for COVID-19,” said MDHHS Chief Deputy for Health and Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun. “It’s important to note that these businesses must take special precautions to protect Michiganders. I also encourage everyone to continue to wear a mask in public, maintain a 6 foot distance from others, and to remain vigilant in washing their hands often. This will help prevent a second surge in cases in our state.” (Get the details here).
Metro Detroiters, meanwhile, are urged to continue to stay home and stay safe.
"We must all remember to continue doing our part to protect ourselves and our families from the spread of COVID-19. It’s crucial that all businesses do everything in their power to protect their workers, customers, and their families," Whitmer said. "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."
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.
Starting today (May 18), any city of Detroit resident — regardless of age, symptoms or prescription — can schedule an appointment to be tested at the former State Fairgrounds. Call to schedule your appointment at 313-230-0505. Elswhere in Michigan, testing is now open to all essential workers, as well as anyone who has even mild symptoms. Michiganders who live anywhere other than Detroit can FIND A TESTING SITE HERE.
Whitmer's stay-home order remains in effect through May 28.