Michigan coronavirus cases up to 504,410; Death toll now at 12,867

The number of confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Michigan rose to 504,410 on Tuesday, including 12,867 deaths, state officials reported.

Tuesday’s update includes 2,291 new cases and 189 additional deaths, including 117 from a review of vital records. On Monday, the state recorded a total of 502,119 cases and 12,678 deaths.

New cases of COVID-19 are decreasing, but deaths remain high in Michigan. Tests declined during the holiday, with more than 35,000 diagnostic tests reported per day, with the positive rate increasing to about 9% in the past few days. Hospitalizations decreased slowly, but remain relatively high, including intensive care and ventilator use.

Michigan’s 7-day moving average for daily cases was 3,087 on Monday, slightly higher than the week before. The average 7-day mortality rate was 77. The state’s death rate is 2.5%. The state also reports “active cases”, which were listed at 126,000 on Monday. More than 363,000 have recovered in Michigan.

According to Johns Hopkins University, more than 20.8 million cases have been reported in the United States, with more than 353,900 deaths reported by the virus.

Worldwide, more than 85 million people have been infected and more than 1.85 million have died. More than 48 million have recovered, according to Johns Hopkins University. The real numbers are certainly much higher, due to limited testing, the different ways in which nations count the dead and the deliberate underreporting of some governments.

• December 5 – 6,004 new cases
• December 7 – 9,350 new cases (case count for two days)
• December 8 – 5,909 new cases
• December 9 – 4,905 new cases
• December 10 – 5,937 new cases
• December 11 – 5,157 new cases
• December 12 – 4,486 new cases
• December 14 – 7,205 new cases (case count for two days)
• December 15 – 4,730 new cases
• December 16 – 4,037 new cases
• December 17 – 4,024 new cases
• December 18 – 4,180 new cases
• December 19 – 3,896 new cases
• December 21 – 4,551 new cases (case count for two days)
• December 22 – 3,082 new cases
• December 23 – 3,443 new cases
• December 26 – 7,341 new cases (case count for three days)
• December 28 – 3,239 new cases (case count for two days)
• December 29 – 3,414 new cases
• December 30 – 4,222 new cases
• January 2 – 8,983 new cases (case count for three days)
• January 4 – 4,992 new cases (case count for two days)
• January 5 – 2,291 new cases

• Tracking cases and deaths in Michigan nursing homes COVID-19
• Tracking COVID-19 hospital data in Michigan

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms that go away in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more serious illnesses, including pneumonia and death.

Having trouble viewing the data below? Click here to view.

Here is a schedule of confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Michigan:

• Full coverage: Coronavirus in Michigan

Here are Michigan’s COVID-19 cases broken down by gender (see here if you don’t see the table):

Propagation from person to person

The virus is believed to spread mainly from person to person.

• Between people who are in close contact with each other (about 6 feet).
• Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

These droplets can fall into the mouth or nose of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

Can anyone spread the virus without getting sick?

• People are considered more contagious when they are more symptomatic (the sickest).
• Some spread may be possible before people experience symptoms; there have been reports that this has occurred with this new coronavirus, but it is not believed to be the main form of spread of the virus.

Spread by contact with contaminated surfaces or objects

It may be possible for a person to get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that contains the virus and then touching their own mouth, nose or possibly their eyes, but this is not considered the main route of transmission for the virus to spread.

How easily the virus spreads

The ease with which a virus spreads from person to person can vary. Some viruses are highly contagious (spread easily), like measles, while other viruses do not spread as easily. Another factor is whether the spread is sustained, spreading continuously without stopping.

Prevention and Treatment

Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent disease is to avoid exposure to this virus. However, as a reminder, the CDC always recommends daily preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

• Avoid close contact with sick people.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Stay home when you’re sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or cloth.
• Wear a face mask or cover when in public.

Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.

MORE: Beaumont Health launches coronavirus hotline for patients with symptoms

People who think they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should contact their doctor immediately.

Question about coronavirus? Ask Dr. McGeorge here.

Read more about the coronavirus here.

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