Michigan Reports Over 700 New Coronavirus Cases, 26 More Deaths

MICHIGAN — More than 85,000 cases of the coronavirus have been reported in Michigan as of Thursday, according to the most recent data released by state health officials.

Michigan added 722 new cases of the coronavirus on Thursday, bringing the statewide case total to 85,429. The state also reported 26 deaths — 17 of which were identified through a vital records review. The uptick in deaths bring the Michigan coronavirus death toll now to 6,247.

Thursday is the fourth straight day the state has reported over 600 new cases of the virus.

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More Mask Requirements In Michigan

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed an order Thursday requiring that face coverings must be worn in all Michigan child-care centers and camps.

Michigan has seen outbreaks of the new coronavirus at child-care centers and camps, Whitmer's office said, adding to the mounting evidence that children can contract and spread the virus. By requiring face coverings, child-care centers and camps can remain open while keeping children and staff members safe, Whitmer said.

"Child-care workers have been on the front lines of this crisis and have worked tirelessly to provide a safe place for our children and families during this time," Whitmer said in a statement. "COVID-19 is still a very real threat to Michiganders of all ages, and we must continue to stay vigilant and use every tool at our disposal to protect ourselves and each other."

Cracking Down On Order Violations

Shortly after Whitmer signed an order requiring state departments to prioritize enforcement of coronavirus executive order violations, Michigan's Attorney General, Dana Nessel, stepped forward and said she would begin focusing on long-term card facilities.

The Michigan AG said Thursday she is ramping up efforts to enforce executive orders signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer that provide rules and procedures to long-care facilities, such as nursing homes and assisted living centers, in Michigan.

"Over the last several months, this virus has claimed more than 6,000 lives in Michigan and presented us with countless challenges that we have had to work together to overcome," Nessel said. "My office is prepared to continue our role of enforcing the law as this virus lingers and as Michigan's most vulnerable populations remain at risk. The measures outlined in Executive Order 2020-148 to protect those vulnerable populations and the people who care for them must be followed."

How Michigan Ranks In The U.S.

A new ranking compares coronavirus positivity rates in each state and highlights how many nursing homes are without a week's supply of personal protective equipment.

Michigan's placement in that report? The state has the 43rd highest rate in the nation.

Using data from Johns Hopkins University, the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living compiled the report, which shows the number of nursing homes in each state. Since July 26, there have been 33 states with a positive test rate of more than five percent.