The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the state of Michigan drew closer to 55,000 Monday.
The state now has 54,881 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 5,240 deaths attributed to the coronavirus.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported 202 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 12 new deaths for the 24-hour period ending at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 25.
The total number of confirmed cases ranks eighth among all states, while Michigan has the fourth-highest number of deaths in the nation, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and prevention.
Nationally, there are 1.637 million confirmed cases of the coronavirus and 97,669 deaths attributed to the disease, according to the most recent numbers reported by the CDC on Monday.
Michigan, which has seen its numbers begin to fall off in recent weeks, has recently begun reopening some sectors of the state and the economy.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer lifted restrictions to allow for restaurants and other retail to begin to reopen in the Upper Peninsula and parts of the northern Lower Peninsula. Recent looser restrictions have also allowed for groups of up to 10 people to gather statewide, with proper social distancing precautions.
While Whitmer’s stay-home-order was extended until June 12, many businesses are gearing up to greet customers on Tuesday, May 26.
Retail businesses and auto dealerships across the state will be allowed to operate via appointment only with a maximum of 10 people inside a business or auto showroom at a time.
Starting Friday, May 29, health care providers will also be able to perform nonessential medical, dental, and veterinary procedures.
As part of Whitmer’s June 12 extension, theaters, gyms and salons are all ordered to remain closed until at least then.
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The MDHHS has noted previously that reported numbers tend to be lower on Sundays and holidays, and data has regularly reflected that. Not all local health departments are reporting over the holiday weekend.
The state reported 65 deaths on Saturday, May 23, and its combined total of 17 on May 24-25 is the lowest two-day total since the state reported 14 deaths on March 22-23.
Multiple deaths were reported in Wayne, Kalamazoo and Genessee counties on Monday as the three counties accounted for nine of the 12 newly reported deaths in the state. Wayne reported five deaths as both Kalamazoo and Genesee reported two.
Wayne County had the most new cases overnight with 45 as Kent County reported 26 new cases.
Here’s a look at the Michigan counties with the most confirmed cases.
1. Wayne County: 19,816 cases (2,364 deaths)
2. Oakland County: 8,226 cases (955 deaths)
3. Macomb County: 6,516 cases (778 deaths)
4. Kent County: 3,385 cases (68 deaths)
5. Genesee County: 1,961 cases (242 deaths)
6. Washtenaw County: 1,298 cases (96 deaths)
7. Saginaw County: 997 cases (106 deaths)
8. Kalamazoo County: 801 cases (49 deaths)
9. Ottawa County: 709 cases (27 deaths)
10. Ingham County: 701 cases (25 deaths)
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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