(WWJ) Michigan reported more than 1,000 new coronavirus cases for the second time this week.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) reported 1,015 more residents have tested positive for the virus in the past 24 hours. 18 more people have been added to the death toll. 14 of those deaths were identified through a vital records review process.
The state’s fatality rate of confirmed cases is at 6.9%, down from about 10% early on in this pandemic.
87% (5,507) of the deaths (6,318) were people over the age of 60, according to the MDHHS.
MDHHS data shows 655 people are hospitalized with a "confirmed or suspected case" of the virus statewide. 87 are on ventilators. 171 are in the Intensive Care Unit.
To learn who is at the highest risk for complications from this virus, click here.
The majority of the hospitalizations are in Southeastern Michigan, with nearly 270 in Region 2N which is made up of Oakland, Macomb and St. Clair Counties.
Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, Michigan’s Chief Medical Executive, said during a press conference Friday Macomb County is currently the hardest hit in the state with 80 cases per million. Oakland, Wayne and Monroe Counties have 40 cases per million.
Beaumont Hospital Farmington Hills on Grand River reinstated strict visitor restrictions earlier this week due to a “recent rise in COVID-19 cases.”
Just two weeks ago, 434 people were hospitalized with COVID-19 statewide.
On Thursday, Michigan reported its largest one day increase since mid-May with 1,121 new cases. Despite the increase, MDHHS says Michigan hospitals remain around 67% capacity including all patients regardless of COVID status.
During a press briefing Friday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer said cases appear to be “plateauing” after an increase in June and July.
She said Michigan’s test positivity rate and average infection rate is half that of Ohio, Indiana and Wisconsin. MDHHS reports 4.07% of tests conducted in Michigan in the past 24 hours have come back positive.
“This virus demands to be taken seriously. Youth will not protect you from this virus. Your political affiliation will not protect you from this virus. This virus will not go away just because we are tired of dealing with it,” Governor Whitmer said. “The only way we can put an end to this pandemic is to take it seriously. Do what we can to protect each other and do what we know works.”
The U.S. Centers For Disease Control and Prevention said you can slow the spread by wearing a mask over your nose and mouth, washing your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds, maintaining at least six feet of physical distance between yourself and people outside your household; and staying home and getting tested if you have symptoms.