(WWJ) Even as more restrictions are lifted, the numbers continue to show Michigan is making progress in the fight against the coronavirus.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services on Monday reported there are 414 new cases of COVID-19 in Michigan, and 33 new deaths. That brings the totals to 47,552 cases and 4,584 deaths throughout the pandemic.
The rate of new infections has dropped 25% over the past week, health officials say.
Speaking at an afternoon news conference, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said the declining case counts are a cause for "cautious optimism," although we must all continue to do our part — including staying home when we can, and wearing masks when we go out. >>LISTEN LIVE on WWJ.
Looking more closely at the latest numbers, the City of Detroit remains the state's hardest hit area with 9,851 cases confirmed and 1,192 deaths.Mayor Mike Duggan said that, over last few weeks, nearly 90% of deaths have been people over age of 60.
The remainder of Wayne County has 8,343 cases and 913 deaths, and Macomb County has 6,064 cases and 699 deaths, and Oakland County reports 7,752 cases and 849 deaths as of the latest count on Monday. Health officials, meanwhile, are keeping an eye on a few community 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).
This comes after the health department yesterday announced that 22,686 people are considered recovered from COVID-19 after surviving 30 days post diagnosis. (This statistic is updated once a week, on Saturdays).
The three main symptoms of coronavirus 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 14,000 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's manufacturing workers are returning to work this week, as part of Whitmer's MI Safe Start Plan to re-engage the state's economy. It will be a slow, step-by-step process, the governor says, as we try to avoid triggering a second wave of cases.
Michiganders should note that both the state of emergency and stay-home order — which Whitmer is now calling "Safer at Home" order — remains in effect through May 28.