(WWJ) Several hopeful signs are emerging that COVID-19 is on a steady decline in Michigan.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported 382 more residents have tested positive for the virus since Saturday.
Today’s total is the lowest daily number of cases reported since March 23, the day Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the first “Stay-at-Home, Stay Safe" Order.
25 more Michiganders have died from the virus. That is the lowest daily death toll since March 29.
The state’s total stands at 4,551 deaths out of 47,138 confirmed cases.
22,686 residents are considered recovered from the virus after surviving 30 days post diagnosis.
Southeastern Michigan remains the hardest hit area with nearly 70% of the cases in Oakland, Macomb and Wayne County (including Detroit).
You can see a breakdown of the cases by county here.
However, the rate of rise per 1,000,000 residents is dropping rapidly.
Region 2N is Oakland, St. Clair and Macomb County.
Region 2S is Wayne (including Detroit), Monroe and Washtenaw County.
Detroit—the hardest hit city with 9,786 confirmed cases and 1,187 deaths—reported 48 more residents tested positive since Saturday.
The percent of tests coming back positive across the state also hit an all-time low at the end of this week since the coronavirus was first detected in Michigan on March 10. The only exception was March 11, when only one test was conducted and came back negative.
The daily positivity rate for COVID-19 tests Friday was 6.8% for Michigan overall.
In Region 2S (Wayne, Monroe and Washtenaw County); that number also hit an all-time low Friday of 8.7%.
In Region 2N (Oakland, Macomb, and St. Clair); the positivity rate Friday was 9.1%. That is a slight uptick over the all-time low of 8.2% on Tuesday. You can see more details here.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s most recent version of the Stay-at-Home Order is in effect until May 28th.
COVID-19 deaths in Michigan:
-The overall case fatality rate of known cases in Michigan is 10%. In the early days of the pandemic; only people at high-risk of complications, hospitalized or suffering severe symptoms had access to testing. Health officials say it could skew the overall fatality rate higher.
-The average age of the fatalities is 75 years old. The median age is 76 years old. The age range is 5 years old to 107 years old. You can see a breakdown of deaths by age here.
-46% of the cases are in men. 53% are in women. However, 53% of the fatalities are men and 47% are women.
-African Americans account for 32% of the overall cases, but 41% of the deaths.
Testing-
-Testing is available to individuals with severe symptoms, mild symptoms and any essential workers who have to report to work in person.
-Click here to find a testing site near you by typing in your address or your zip code.
Symptoms-
-The CDC lists the following as symptoms:
-Cough
-Shortness of breath
-Fever
-Chills
-Muscle Pain
-Sore throat
-Loss of taste or smell
Symptoms can appear two days to two weeks after being exposed to the virus. If you experience these; the CDC urges you to isolate yourself and to “contact your healthcare professional immediately.”
At most risk:
-People over the age of 60 and people of any age with pre-existing conditions are at highest risk of severe complications from the virus, according to the CDC.
-The pre-existing conditions include cancer, stroke, asthma, hypertension, immunocompromised, lung disease, diabetes, heart disease and obesity (Body Mass Index above 40). You can see a complete list here.
Protecting yourself and others:
-Health experts urge you to wear a cloth mask or face covering to protect others
-Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds
-Abide by social distancing guidelines of staying at least six feet apart
-Stay home if you are sick
-Disinfect surfaces including doorknobs, light switches, remotes, phones, etc.
-Be especially careful around loved ones and others considered “at risk” by the CDC.
Learn more at the CDC website and mi.gov/coronavirus.