LANSING, MI -- State officials continue to look at ways to safely reopen portions of the economy amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

As experts weigh in on the matter and offer suggestions and guidance, lawmakers are working to come to an understanding on how early and how broadly businesses can resume operations and residents can start traveling again. Republicans and Democrats in the state legislature are also at odds on how much emergency authority the governor should have.

Meanwhile, individuals, businesses, institutions and local governments continue to deal with the virus by adjusting plans and in some cases, making the best of a tough situation.

Below is a look at the most recent coronavirus developments as of April 17.

Michigan tops 2,000 deaths from COVID-19

Michigan has now suffered 2,093 deaths in the state as a result of COVID-19. State officials released updated cases counts and deaths related to the virus Thursday. The state reported 172 new coronavirus-related deaths, but also said 65 of those are coming from previous days that weren’t initially confirmed to be caused by the virus.

The state also added 1,204 new confirmed coronavirus cases, bringing the total to 29,263. Michigan continues to have the fourth most confirmed cases in the country and trail only New York and New Jersey in total deaths.

The state also reported 433 people have recovered from the virus in the state. To be considered as having recovered that means a person tested positive for COVID-19 at some point, they’re still alive and it’s been at least 30 days since symptoms began.

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When this is over, then what?

The push continues for the state to reengage the economy, to get people back to work and out of their houses. But when that can happen safely continues to be debated by politicians, economists, health officials and other experts. Nearly everyone agrees the first step is to ensure safety of the public, the workers and anyone else involved with businesses.

However, once that happens, what’s next? This story looks at some of the options and scenarios that may play out, when this whole situation could be over and how long the impact will be felt.

Late Thursday, Michigan Senate Republicans unveiled plan for reopening the economy in five phases. More on that proposal here.

Politicians at odds over who should return to work and when

As officials continue to determine exactly when Michigan’s economy can reopen, Republicans and Democrats are at odds over who should be able to return to work and when. Republicans are pushing hard for allowing landscaping companies, greenhouses, golf courses, realtors, construction and more to reopen when the stay-at-home order lifts on May 1.

Democrats continue to say they too want to economy to reopen, but fear that doing so too early will lead to another spike in cases and a prolonging of economic damage.

Republicans look to limit Whitmer’s emergency authority

Republican lawmakers are seeking to limit the governor’s authority in response to her latest updates to the stay-at-home order.

The state is currently subject to a stay-at-home order through April 30, which Whitmer extended and expanded last week. The move was met with significant pushback, which culminated in thousands of people protesting at the Michigan Capitol on Wednesday to urge the governor to relax restrictions.

Under current law, Michigan governors can declare a state of emergency for up to 28 days, after which an extension is required by the state legislature. Whitmer initially requested a 70-day extension to her March 10 state of emergency, which Republicans believed was too long. They ultimately April 7 agreed to extend the state of emergency through April 30.

Days later, Republican lawmakers introduced legislation to repeal the Emergency Powers of the Governor Act of 1945 and limit the number of days the governor can declare a state of emergency without buy-in from the legislature from 28 days to 14.

Other bills in the package would put limits on the punishments against those who violate orders issued under a state of emergency, as well as put restrictions on banning the sale or purchase of firearms, ammunition, or other weapons during an emergency. More here.

MSU announces pay cuts thanks to COVID-19

Executives at Michigan State University will be required to take a pay cut between two and seven percent while also reducing traveling and other expenditures as the college continues to handle the COVID-19 pandemic.

The cuts are scheduled to last until May or June, but go through the end of the year if necessary. The university is also considering delaying or modifying several construction and remodeling projects and major equipment expenditures.

Oakland County may utilize ice arena to store dead bodies

As hosptials continue to take in patients with the COVID-19 virus, the unfortunate outcome for many has been death. One of the effects of those deaths is hospitals and morgues are running out of space to store the bodies.

Officials in Oakland County are considering using local ice arenas to store the bodies until funeral arrangements are made for the deceased.

Michigan’s U.S. senators say more testing, financial relief needed during coronavirus pandemic

U.S. Sens. Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow said during a virtual town hall Thursday that more testing and federal aid is needed for the country to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Peters said he’s pushing for paying people on the front lines, including health care workers, law enforcement and grocery store employees, an additional $13 per hour up to $25,000 to compensate them for the risks they’re taking.

Stabenow said she understands the frustration that certain industries aren’t allowed to resume business, and said a national focus on testing is the path forward to reopening the economy “so we’re not flying blind.”

Michigan is in a recession and recovery won’t be easy

It comes as no surprise that Michigan’s economy is hurting thanks to the COIVD-19 crisis. Economists say Michigan is already in a recession and it won’t be easy to climb out of the hole. Economists worry that even when businesses start reopening, customers may not return in ways that will keep businesses afloat.

“The big question is, overall across all of these sectors of the economy, will there be a resumption of demand when people are able to go out and spend money?” said Michael Horrigan, president of the W.E. Upjohn Institue for Economic Research. “If that’s the case, then there is a pathway towards recovery.”

Muskegon area group living facility confirms COVID-19 deaths

The Muskegon County Health Department confirmed Thursday that COVID-19 has spread to residential living facilities in the county, but declined to share which ones. The department released a statement Thursday after MLive reached out about a tip it received regarding confirmed cases in staff at an assisted living facility.

“As anticipated, cases have been identified in employees and residents of residential congregate facilities such as long-term care, assisted living, and adult foster care,” the release states. "No further information about the residents or employees will be released due to privacy laws.”

Whitmer extends emergency child-care services during crisis

Gov. Whitmer extended an order Thursday that allows for schools districts to offer disaster relief child care centers that assist parents who work jobs that have been deemed essential. The child care centers will now operate until May 13.

“With schools closed across the state and babysitters and grandparents staying home and staying safe, it’s critical the men and women risking their health and safety to protect ours have reliable and dependable child care," Whitmer said.

Hospital workers wed in hospital after wedding dreams dashed

Like many couples, Bradley Wernette and Melanie Bork had plans of dream wedding this spring. Unfortunately, the ongoing pandemic has forced people to adjust their wedding plans for virtual gatherings. For Wernette and Bork -- who are Metro Health workers -- there was only one other place they wanted to celebrate their marriage when the original plans fell apart: the hospital.

This story looks at how they met, how far along they were in planning their wedding and how they decided to marry at hospital.

Protestors urge for release of prisoners during COVID-19 pandemic

A day after protestors packed Lansing streets to voice their displeasure with the stay-at-home order, another protest took to the streets Thursday. This time protestors sought for the release of prisoners while the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

Supporters of the idea say those who’ve shown good behavior while in prison and who are nearly eligible for parole should be consider. Releasing the prisoners would help lower their individual risk of being infected and help reduce possible spread in prisons.

PREVENTION TIPS

In addition to washing hands regularly and not touching your face, officials recommend practicing social distancing, assuming anyone may be carrying the virus. Health officials say you should be staying at least 6 feet away from others and working from home, if possible. Carry hand sanitizer with you, and use disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray cleaners on frequently-touched surfaces in your home (door handles, faucets, countertops) and when you go into places like stores.

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Complete coverage at mlive.com/coronavirus