Coronavirus in Michigan: Day 45 

Whitmer extends statewide lockdown through May 15

More than 600 COVID-19 cases tracked in Greater Lansing 

Posted

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FRIDAY, April 24 — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer extended portions of Michigan’s “Stay Safe, Stay Home” order today through May 15, reducing some restrictions on businesses previously declared to be nonessential and ramping up precautions on masks and social distancing. 

Her new order requires residents to wear homemade face coverings in enclosed public spaces starting Monday, lifts some restrictions on outdoor activities — like golf and motorboating — and allows some workers who performed previously suspended activities to get back to work quickly. 

“I want to be crystal clear: the overarching message today is still the same. We must all do our part by staying home and staying safe as much as possible,” Whitmer said earlier today.  

The extended order further requires employers, at a minimum, to provide cloth face coverings to their employees. However, the mandate to actually wear them — without any actual legal ramifications for failing to do so— serves more as a recommendation than actual requirement. 

“Most Michiganders are doing the right thing. And while masks are absolutely crucial, it shouldn't be a crime to decline to wear one, especially as the public gets used to the new requirement,” a spokeswoman from Whitmer’s office explained today to City Pulse.   

Stores, however, can feel free to refuse service to customers without a mask, Whitmer said.  

The order also allows some businesses — like landscaping and lawn services, bike shops and garden centers — to reopen their doors, provided they adhere to strict social distancing precautions, avoid sharing tools and provide appropriate protective equipment to their staff.  

Additionally, big-box retailers that were previously forced to close nonessential sections of their stores dedicated to paint, flooring and gardening can once again reopen those areas to the public. Travel between homes, though discouraged, is also again allowed under the new order. 

Stores are still required to limit capacity depending on their size and to implement social distancing precautions for customers. Nonessential goods can still be sold at these stores, but retailers are also required to consider implementing additional options for curbside pickup. 

Residents are also still ordered to stay home except for in very limited circumstances, like to go grocery shopping or to care for a loved one. Private and public gatherings of any size are still prohibited. And many businesses are still considered nonessential and must remain closed. 

Dine-in service at bars and restaurants is still banned as are other businesses such as hair salons, movie theaters and tattoo shops. Whitmer has said those types of services are likely to be the last to come back online in Michigan amid continued efforts to reduce gatherings.  

Vacation rentals and vacation travel also remain prohibited in Michigan.  

Meanwhile, Michigan’s Senate passed legislation this afternoon that many viewed as pure political theater. One bill repeals the Emergency Powers of the Governor Act of 1945 and another limits the number of days Whitmer can extend a state of emergency from 28 to 14. 

Whitmer, however, has repeatedly vowed to veto that legislation should it pass the House. 

Both chambers also approved a resolution to create a joint oversight committee with both Republicans and Democrats serving to investigate the COVID-19 pandemic, reports MLive.   

And the latest numbers …   

A ninth coronavirus-related death reported in Ingham County yesterday and two more in Clinton County edged up the regional death toll to at least 23 with at least 611 cases of COVID-19 now reported in Ingham, Eaton and Clinton counties in the last few weeks.    

Statewide, another 1,350 confirmed cases and 108 deaths reported today edged the total number of cases in Michigan past 36,000 with nearly 3,100 coronavirus-related deaths to date.   

Here are the latest statistics for Greater Lansing, Michigan and the country:             

Ingham County                       

Cases — 392  

Recoveries — 108            

Recovery Rate — 27.6%        

Deaths — 9  

Fatality Rate — 2.3%              

At least 91-95 cases are in southwest Lansing in zip code 48911. Much of the rest of south Lansing, Mason, East Lansing, Meridian and Bath townships each tally 36-45 cases in zip codes 48910, 48823 and 48854. Zip codes 48864, 48842 and 48906 each track 26-30 cases. Zip codes 48912 and 48915 each track 16-20 cases. Zip codes 48840, 48895, 48917, 48285, 48819, 48827, 48892, 48909, 48933, 49251, 49264 and 49285 each track 10 cases or less.    

Three long-term care facilities have residents with COVID-19 in Ingham County, including three at Burcham Hills, two at Ingham County Medical Facility and two at Vista Springs Edgewood. 

Eaton County                       

Cases — 114  

Recoveries — 68           

Recovery Rate — 59.6%         

Deaths — 5                

Fatality Rate — 4.4%            

Clinton County                       

Cases — 106        

Deaths — 9  

Fatality Rate — 8.5%                       

Officials at the Mid-Michigan County Health Department do not report recovery statistics.           

Michigan                       

Cases — 36,641 (+3.8%

Recoveries — 3,237 (as of 4/17/20)         

Recovery Rate — 8.8%       

Deaths — 3,085 (+3.6%

Fatality Rate — 8.4%         

State reports show about 74% of cases (and about 82% of deaths) are from Oakland, Macomb and Wayne counties, including Detroit. Other hotspots include Genesee County with 3.9% of cases, Washtenaw County with 2.7% of cases, Kent County with 2.5% of cases and Saginaw County with 1.5% of cases reported statewide. At least 2.7% of cases, or 973 cases (and 28 deaths) have also been reported among inmates at the Michigan Department of Corrections.   

Caucasians account for 32% of cases and 44% of deaths statewide. Despite accounting for a smaller segment of the population, African Americans account for 33% of cases and 40% of deaths in Michigan. Those of an unknown race accounted for 22% of cases and 10% of deaths.         

U.S.                     

Cases — 889,661  

Deaths — 50,890   

Fatality Rate — 5.7%        

Source: CNN                

As of earlier this afternoon, Michigan has reported the seventh most cases in the country, behind New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, California, Pennsylvania and Illinois. Michigan also ranks third in most virus-related deaths, behind only New York and New Jersey. 

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