Michigan health officials reported 610 new confirmed coronavirus cases Wednesday, July 8, which was the largest daily increase in seven weeks, dating back to May 20.
The jump brought the seven-day moving average up to 444 new cases per day. That’s the highest daily average since mid-May and signals a continued upward trend in cases.
Health officials also reported 10 new deaths associated with COVID-19. That’s more than the daily average -- nine -- but marked the second consecutive day with 10 deaths reported over the previous 24 hours.
Since the start of the pandemic, the state has reported 67,237 known cases of the infectious respiratory illness, and 6,015 known deaths. The health department has also reported another 7,273 probable cases and 246 probable deaths that haven’t been confirmed by positive testing.
Michigan’s seven-day moving average had been declining before June 10 when it reached 150 cases per day. It has trended up over the last month.
At the peak, the state reported 1,626 cases per day on April 4. It hadn’t averaged more than 420 cases per day since May 22.
Here’s a look at the five Michigan counties with the most confirmed cases.
1. Wayne County: 22,557 cases (2,622 deaths)
2. Oakland County: 9.244 cases (1054 deaths)
3. Macomb County: 7,404 cases (886 deaths)
4. Kent County: 5,014 cases (136 deaths)
5. Genesee County: 2,275 cases (265 deaths)
Of the 21,831 diagnostic tests processed in Michigan on Tuesday, July 7, about 3.77 percent -- or 824 tests -- came back positive. The positive rate has slowly been on the rise, reaching its highest point since May 29.
To find a testing site near you, check out the state’s online test finder, here, send an email to COVID19@michigan.gov, or call 888-535-6136 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays.
For more statewide data, visit MLive’s coronavirus data page, here.
COVID-19 PREVENTION TIPS
In addition to washing hands regularly and not touching your face, officials recommend practicing social distancing, assuming anyone may be carrying the virus.
Health officials say you should be staying at least 6 feet away from others and working from home, if possible.
Use disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray cleaners on frequently-touched surfaces in your home (door handles, faucets, countertops) and carry hand sanitizer with you when you go into places like stores.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has also issued an executive order requiring people to wear face coverings over their mouth and nose while inside enclosed, public spaces.
Additional information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.
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