(WWJ) Michigan has now topped 50,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases, even as the curve continues to flatten.
According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, there are 497 new cases to report on Friday, and 38 new deaths. That brings the totals to 50,079 cases and 4,825 deaths in the state throughout the pandemic.
At a news confernce Friday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said she wants to put those number in perspective.
"Because I've been thinking about how can we drive home the stories that are happening here, the stories that are not going to be told? Five thousands lives," Whitmer said, as in image of an empty Fox Theater appeared on the screen behind her.
"So I want you to imagine that you are standing on the state of the Fox Theater in Detroit, which holds over 5,000 people. You look at that stage and know that nearly every empty chair represents a lost loved one of someone here in Michigan," Whitmer said.
The daily numbers are lower once again after Thursday's spike that officials attributed to a backlog in reporting, along with stepped up testing at correctional facilities in the state.
Taking a closer look at the numbers: In the city of Detroit, which is reported separately, there are now 10,230 cases in the city, and 1,240 deaths.
The remainder of Wayne County has 8,652 cases and 952 deaths, Macomb County has 6,274 cases and 729 deaths, and Oakland County — where weekly death numbers continue to drop — reports 7,994 cases and 896 deaths as of Friday. 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. (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 has risen to 75.3 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. Check back tor the latest tomorrow.).
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.
