Whitmer points to hopeful signs in Michigan’s COVID-19 fight, says next 10 days are key

DETROIT – Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is urging residents to continue to follow the state’s stay-home order, but pointed to some cautiously optimistic data points in her Monday briefing.

On Monday, Michigan reported its lowest one-day case total since March 26, and it’s lowest increase in deaths since April 6. The state is now reporting 32,000 total cases.

Gov. Whitmer said the state is seeing a slowing of COVID-19 inpatients in hospitals, but data shows more than 4,600 hospitalized in the state. She also said testing is picking up, while positive tests are not increasing in line with testing. She also reported that hospitals are seeing increases in inventory for important PPE.

Whitmer said she is continuing to work with experts from various fields on a plan to begin reopening business and looking for ways to increase safety in workplaces. She said she is still hoping to start this plan on May 1, but said it’s still too early to be sure.

“What happens depends on how the next 10 days go,” Whitmer said, telling residents to stay home to continue mitigating spread. “For those of you who want to get back to work, stay home.”

The governor’s office says the COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted communities of color throughout the state. While African Americans represent 13.6% of Michigan’s population, they represent a staggering 40% of the deaths from COVID-19. The task force will act in an advisory capacity to the governor and study the causes of racial disparities in the impact of COVID-19 and recommend actions to immediately address such disparities and the historical and systemic inequities that underlie them, the governor’s office stated.

The number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Michigan has risen to 32,000 as of Monday, including 2,468 deaths, state officials report.

Monday’s numbers represent an increase of 576 cases and 77 deaths. Sunday’s total was 31,424 confirmed cases and 2,391 deaths.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said last week that the state’s case curve appears to be flattening. She said she will elaborate further on her plans during multiple news conferences this week.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced Monday she is taking a 10 percent pay cut to her salary during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Whitmer said her senior staff members will take a 5 percent pay cut. She spoke during a news conference about the state’s response to COVID-19.

On Monday, Michigan House Republicans released a “roadmap” for the state’s recovery from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that has shut down much of the economy while residents are ordered to stay home.

Republican lawmakers said their suggestions have been made available to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in the “hopes she will consider the ideas and work with the House Republican caucus to build on the effort and lay out a detailed plan for Michigan families.”

The Michigan Senate Republicans have released a plan for reopening the state amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Here’s a look at “Open Michigan Safely."

It’s going to be a very busy week, as we move into the sixth week of the coronavirus crisis here in Michigan - and around the country. Here are some things to watch for this week -- read here.

Here’s what happened Sunday:

A 5-year-old girl died Sunday morning at Beaumont Royal Oak, becoming the first child to die from COVID-19 in Michigan.

The family of Skylar Herbert confirmed the information Sunday night.

Remington Michael Ostwald is less than two weeks old. On March 20, his mother, Colleen Ostwald started getting sick.

“I thought I was going to die,” Colleen Ostwald said.

Her pregnancy was already a high risk. It took three tries to get a coronavirus test -- and she tested positive.

President Donald Trump defended a Tweet he posted Friday targeting Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s stay-at-home order.

The Tweet read, “LIBERATE MICHIGAN!” He sent it out two days after people protested at the state Capitol in Lansing against the order.

Whitmer responded, defending the state’s handling of COVID-19.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says there is much to consider before reopening the economy amid the pandemic -- and she is treating every industry differently.

Whitmer is expected to share details about her plan to open the stay’s economy soon.

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan has also shared his thoughts about reopening the state.

The number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Michigan has risen to 31,424 as of Sunday, including 2,391 deaths, state officials report.

That number is up from 30,791 confirmed cases and 2,308 deaths Saturday.

The official recovery rate is 3,237.

lory Wesseldyk, a 20-year-old woman from Kalamazoo, has been stranded on a cruise ship for over a month due to COVID-19.

The ship docks in Florida Monday but Wesseldyk has been told she won’t be able to leave the ship due to coronavirus concerns.

How about some good news?

While you are social distancing, you can explore Michigan virtually.

The #VirtualPureMichigan campaign will include live cameras showing places such as Traverse City, Holland and Frankenmuth, as well as virtual tours of museums, and other related educational experiences.

How COVID-19 Spreads

Person-to-person spread

The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.

Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).

Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

Can someone spread the virus without being sick?

Spread is possible before people show symptoms. People who are not showing symptoms can still be carrying the virus and can still pass it on to other people.

Spread from contact with contaminated surfaces or objects

It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

How easily the virus spreads

How easily a virus spreads from person-to-person can vary. Some viruses are highly contagious (spread easily), like measles, while other viruses do not spread as easily. Another factor is whether the spread is sustained, spreading continually without stopping.

Prevention and Treatment

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Stay home when you are sick.

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

MORE: Beaumont Health launches coronavirus hotline for patients with symptoms

People who think they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider immediately.

Question about coronavirus? Ask Dr. McGeorge here.