Michigan reported 1,478 new cases of the new coronavirus over the weekend, bringing the state’s total cases to 78,019.
In other news about the coronavirus, Governor Gretchen Whitmer will soon consider a bill to move COVID-19 nursing home patients to separate facilities, cases are on the rise in Jackson County, and a high school graduated 100 students in a parking lot.
Here’s the latest for Monday, July 27.
Michigan reports 1,041 coronavirus cases after weekend order backlog
The state reported 1,041 new cases on Sunday, July 26, compared to 437 the day before.
That increase is likely attributable to delayed lab results from Friday night and Saturday morning, moving some cases that could have been reported Saturday to Sunday’s count.
A bill to house coronavirus patients in nursing homes in separate facilities is on the way to Whitmer’s desk.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer will soon take a bill that would require the state to establish separate facilities to house COVID-19 patients, and prohibit the transfer of COVID-19 positive patients from other health care facilities to nursing homes. The facilities would have to be inspected and designated by September 1.
The bill, SB 956, was passed by the state House of Representatives this week, and comes as Whitmer has faced criticism for his nursing home management early in the outbreak.
About a third of COVID-19 deaths in Michigan are linked to nursing homes, according to data released by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services last month.
Michigan Reports Increase In Coronavirus Deaths After Record Review Finds Missing Cases
Fourteen COVID-19 deaths were reported Saturday, compared with three on Friday. None were reported on Sunday.
These fluctuating death counts occurred when missing cases were found during a review of state data. Eight of the deaths reported Saturday were identified during a review of vital records.
That same review also found a decrease of 16 cumulative deaths, due to errors in local case investigations.
Michigan reported 594 new cases of COVID-19 on Friday and 437 on Saturday.
COVID-19 cases continue to increase in Jackson County; the health department urges compliance with the guidelines
The Jackson County Health Department said its case rate is increasing, with 596 positive cases in the county as of Saturday, July 25, compared to 537 cases on July 15 and 484 cases at the end of June.
Five Henry Ford Allegiance patients are hospitalized with COVID-19 as of Wednesday, July 22, representing an increase from the previous week.
The cases are linked to international and national trips; outdoor gatherings without masks; and family gatherings, parties and sporting events, according to health officials.
Central Columbia Graduates 100 in Parking Ceremony
Amid that increase in Jackson County, 100 Columbia Central High School seniors graduated from a socially estranged ceremony held in the school parking lot.
“This class has always had a mature sense about them. They have handled this scenario with grace, ”said the school principal, Christi O’Neil.
COVID-19 PREVENTION TIPS
In addition to washing their hands regularly and not touching their faces, officials recommend practicing social distancing, assuming anyone can carry the virus.
Health officials say you should stay at least 6 feet away from others and work from home, if possible.
Use sanitizing wipes or sanitizing spray cleaners on frequently touched surfaces in your home (door handles, faucets, countertops) and carry hand sanitizer when you go to places like stores.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer also issued an executive order requiring people to cover their faces and noses while inside closed public spaces.
Additional information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.
For more information on COVID-19 in Michigan, visit https://www.mlive.com/coronavirus/data/.
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