LANSING, MI — State officials late Sunday released information on 20 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus, bringing Michigan’s total up to 53.

An Oakland County boy who had contact with someone with COVID-19 was among the new cases disclosed Sunday, March 15. State officials declined to reveal the boy’s age and school.

The 20 newly confirmed cases include:

Washtenaw County, three adult males, all with a history of international travel.

Detroit, adult female with unknown travel history.

Oakland County, adult female with contact with a person with COVID-19.

Detroit, adult female with contact with a person with COVID-19.

Macomb County, adult female with unknown travel history.

Oakland County, male child with contact with a person with COVID-19

Kent County, adult male with unknown travel history and unknown contact history.

Oakland County, adult male with unknown travel and contact history.

Wayne County, adult male with unknown travel and contact history.

Ottawa County, adult female with unknown travel and contact history.

St. Clair County, adult female with contact with a person with COVID-19.

Macomb County, two adult males with no travel or contact reported.

Wayne County, adult male with no travel or contact reported.

Oakland County, adult male with international travel history.

Oakland County, adult male with no history of travel or contacts.

Detroit, adult female with no history of travel or contacts.

Kent County, adult male with history of domestic travel.

Earlier Sunday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer told Michigan residents to assume they have coronavirus as a way to help prevent its further spread in the state.

“Even if you are young, even if you feel healthy and you don’t have any symptoms right now, you can unknowingly be carrying this virus,” she said during a Sunday evening press conference. “Assume that you are and take this seriously. It’s not just about protecting yourself — it’s about protecting everyone.”

COVID-19 symptoms, which include fever, cough and shortness of breath, may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure to the virus, officials say.

The governor has ordered all K-12 schools closed, banned gatherings of over 250 and urged restaurants and bars to limit crowds as a precaution against further spread of the virus.

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Many businesses, government offices and social service centers were also shutting down as a precaution against further spread of the virus.

The state Sunday night also urged parents to stay in contact with child care centers before taking their children in for care, to make sure facilities haven’t closed.

“Providers are trying to make the best decisions they can based on the information they have received from health and government leaders,” said Larry Horvath, director of the Bureau of Community and Health Services, in a news release. “We encourage parents and guardians to reach out to their child care providers prior to bringing their child to the care facility.”

Some hospitals were arranging drive-through testing for anyone showing symptoms of COVID-19.

People who recover from coronavirus can be left with reduced lung function, some gasping for breath when they walk quickly, doctors in Hong Kong have found.

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Spectrum Health opens drive-through coronavirus testing for pre-screened people

Updates on guidelines and precautions are being posted at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

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.

MORE:

Complete coverage at mlive.com/coronavirus

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