(WWJ) There are 1,191 new cases of COVID-19 being reported in Michigan Thursday, and 73 new deaths. That brings the totals to 49,582 cases and 4,787 deaths in the state throughout the pandemic.
While this is a significant increase over reports from the previous several days, officials say they can explain the spike.
Several factors contributed to the increase, according to the Michigan State Emergency Operations Center, including backlogged results being reported electronically into the Michigan Disease Surveillance System (MDSS) and increased testing at correctional facilities across the state.
Today's report of 1,191 cases includes cases from commercial labs Garcia, a lab with significant presence in Michigan's correctional facilities and corporate environment, Orchard Technology and P4, the SEOC said. Results from these labs were being entered manually, which led to a backlog, and are now being reported electronically.
Officials said the backlog in reporting did not result in delays in people being notified about their tests results.
As for the death count, officials note that reviews of death certificate data are conducted by Michigan Department of Health and Human Services staff three times per week; the latest review having contributed to the day's total.
Taking a close look at the numbers: In the city Detroit, which is reported separately, there are now 10,164 cases in the city, and 1,236 deaths.
The remainder of Wayne County has 8,606 cases and 947 deaths, Macomb County has 6,232 cases and 728 deaths, and Oakland County reports 7,952 cases and 888 deaths as of Thursday. 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 look at some more of the latest stats from the state:
- 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 up a bit to 72.2 years old, while the median age is 77.
- 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, including about how the daily numbers are calculated, 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.
Michigan residents should note what Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is now calling "Safer at Home" order remains in effect through May 28.
