It was only eight days ago that Michigan confirmed its first two coronavirus cases.

Since then, more than 300 cases have been diagnosed in 18 Michigan counties, while the number of U.S. cases has grown from about 1,000 on March 10 to more than 10,000.

As the virus outbreak — a global pandemic — spreads across the United States, Michigan and its communities are scrambling to react, taking measures to slow the spread.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has declared a state of emergency; ordered all K-12 schools closed; banned dine-in service for bars and restaurants; closed fitness centers, movie theaters and other entertainment and recreational venues, and banned gatherings of over 50.

Many businesses, government offices and social service centers also are shutting down, having people work at home and/or limiting public access.

Timeline of coronavirus in Michigan: How did we get here?

Below are the latest developments that impact Michigan residents.

Number of confirmed cases jumps to 334 with increase in testing. The number of people diagnosed with the coronavirus COVID-19 in Michigan dramatically increased with the inclusion of commercial and clinical lab results, reaching 334 on March 19. That compares to 80 cases on March 18.

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Lack of tests remains a concern. “A week ago we were standing here at two cases and now we are well above 100 cases,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said at a Wednesday press briefing, adding the rapid increase is taxing the system. “We don’t have enough tests. We don’t have enough resources to process the tests."

Michigan reports first three coronavirus deaths. Three Michigan residents who tested positive for the coronavirus died Wednesday, include a man in his 50s with underlying health conditions who died a Beaumont Hospital in Wayne County; an 81-year-old patient being treated at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, and a woman in her 50s with underlying health conditions who died at McLaren Oakland Hospital in Pontiac.

Meijer to drop 24-hour service because of coronavirus. Meijer will drop 24-hour service for the “foreseeable future” and will offer dedicated shopping hours for customers with chronic health conditions and senior citizens. The retailer said starting on Friday, March 20, stores will close at 10 p.m. and open at 8 a.m. The move is designed to give employees more time to deep clean and restock stores.

Michigan malls announce temporary closures. Mall closures are coming after many national retailers found in malls have announced temporary closures of their own, including American Eagle, Old Navy, Victoria’s Secret, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Macy’s and many others.

Amtrak changes schedule. Amtrak announced several service adjustments due to the coronavirus outbreak that has halted many public events and sent people into self-isolation.

Canada/U.S. border closed for non-essential travel. President Donald Trump says the U.S. and Canada have come to an agreement to close the border to all “non-essential” traffic as concerns about the spread of the coronavirus continue. The president announced the move in a tweet sent out Wednesday morning.

Detroit automakers shut down plants. Ford, General Motors, Fiat Chrysler, Honda and Toyota said they would shut down all of their factories in North America citing concerns for employees who work in close quarters building automobiles. In addition, Hyundai closed its Alabama plant after a worker tested positive for the virus.

Ford suspends dividend, borrows from credit line to offset shutdowns. As vehicle sales drop due to the coronavirus outbreak, Ford is suspending its dividend to preserve cash. The company said it’s drawing on two credit lines to put another $15.4 billion in cash on its balance sheet, the Associated Press reports. Ford Motor Co. also withdrew its financial guidance for the year Thursday.

Liquor stores closed in other states, but unlikely to happen in Michigan. Alabama and Pennsylvania have closed liquor stores as states look to stop the spread of COVID-19, but the chair of the Michigan Liquor Control Commission says that has more to do with how alcohol sales are structured in those states.

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MHSAA answers key questions about sports shutdown. MLive connected with MHSAA spokesperson John Johnson to cover the most frequently asked questions regarding the high school sports situation.

Tax foreclosure deadline extended in Michigan. Michigan residents will have more time to pay back taxes and avoid foreclosure under the latest executive order from Whitmer. Michigan’s tax foreclosure deadline will be shifted from March 31 to either May 29 or 30 days after the state of emergency is terminated, whichever comes first.

Whitmer suspends Open Meetings Act to allow for virtual meetings. Whitmer , issued an executive order allowing public bodies to meet virtually amid the spread of COVID-19. The order temporarily changes the Michigan Open Meetings Act, which mandates public access to certain state, county and local government meetings, to allow for electronic meetings through April 15, “while also facilitating public participation.”

Change in rules announced for state parks. State-managed lands, trails and parks remain open, and campgrounds currently open at state parks will remain openl, the DNR said in a release Wednesday. However, state park headquarters buildings and contact stations are now closed to the public, which will affect walk-up reservations.

Trump to ban non-essential travel to Mexico. President Donald Trump is expected to temporarily ban non-essential travel across the U.S.-Mexico border as part of the federal government’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Sandi Patty concert have have been site of coronavirus exposure. Berrien County Health Department is aware of a potential exposure to COVID-19 at a Sandi Patty concert in Berrien Springs on March 8, the health department said in a press release. Patty announced on her Facebook page Tuesday, March 17, that she tested positive for COVID-19.

Red Cross reports ‘severe’ blood shortages in Michigan. The coronavirus pandemic has led to a severe blood shortage because of an “unprecedented" number of blood drive cancellations, according to the American Red Cross.

Wednesday, March 18: Latest developments on coronavirus in Michigan

Tuesday, March 17: Latest developments on coronavirus in Michigan

Monday, March 16: Latest developments on coronavirus in Michigan.

Sunday, March 15: Latest developments on coronavirus in Michigan.

Saturday, March 14: Latest developments on coronavirus in Michigan.

Friday, March 13: Latest developments on coronavirus in Michigan.

Thursday, March 12: Latest developments on coronavirus in Michigan.

PREVENTION TIPS

Michigan’s State Emergency Operations Center is coordinating state-government resources and the response to the coronavirus spread. It has shared the following tips:

What you can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases:

· Always cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue or sleeve.

· Stay home if you are sick and advise others to do the same.

· Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

· Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

· Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.

· Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, if soap and warm water are not available.

· Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces(computers, keyboards, desks, etc.).

· It’s not too late to get your flu shot! While the influenza vaccine does not protect against COVID-19 infection, it can help keep you healthy during the flu season.

READ MORE:

Complete coverage at mlive.com/coronavirus