The number of new COVID-19 cases reported by the state of Michigan have come in at less than 800 for the fourth day in a row.
Meanwhile, an Ann Arbor hospital has started using plasma from COVID-19 survivors to treat current COVID-19 patients, and lawmakers grow evermore concerned about the impact the pandemic is having on the economy.
Below is a look at the most recent coronavirus developments.
New Michigan coronavirus cases of 633 is daily low for month of April
Figures released Sunday, April 19, by the state’s Department of Health and Human Services show 633 new cases reported, more than 100 less than the 768 cases on Saturday and 760 on Friday.
Sunday’s numbers raise the total COVID-19 cases in Michigan to 31,424, with 2,391 total deaths, up 83. The number of daily deaths is up slightly from 81 reported on Saturday.
Fishing, boating vital in easing stress during coronavirus pandemic, conservation group says in lawsuit
A Michigan conservation coalition numbering 40,000 members is suing Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to overturn her ban on motorized boating during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Michigan United Conservation Clubs, in a lawsuit filed Sunday, April 19, in U.S. District Court in Grand Rapids, argued through their attorneys that Whitmer’s ban on motorized boating is unconstitutional, vague and too broad.
Lawyers for the coalition argue that a motorboat ban limits fishing, which is a source of food and income and a way to maintain mental health.
Michigan lawmakers express concern at lack of federal help for state’s small businesses
A group of lawmakers from Michigan has sent a letter to the U.S. Small Business Administration sharing concerns over the lack of help for small businesses in the state amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The Sunday, April 19 letter addressed to Jovita Carranza, administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration, comes from Democratic Party members of Congress from Michigan, including Dan Kildee, Brenda Lawrence, Debbie Dingell, Rashida Tlaib, Elissa Slotkin, Andy Levin, and Haley Stevens as well as Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters.
“As members of Michigan’s congressional delegation, we write to express concern that our state, despite being one of the hardest-hit states in this pandemic, currently ranks in the bottom third of states receiving small business loans under the PPP compared to the number of businesses that are eligible,” the letter reads.
St. Joseph Mercy Hospital treats first COVID-19 patient with plasma from coronavirus survivor
St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor treated its first hospitalized COVID-19 patient Sunday, April 19, with plasma donated by a recovered patient as part of a nationwide experimental program working to cure the disease.
The patient is one of 11 in the in the St. Joseph Mercy Health System participating in the Mayo Clinic’s Coordinated Expanded Access to Convalescent Plasma Program, according to a St. Joseph Mercy Health System statement.
The patients are being treated in the health system’s hospitals in Ann Arbor, Canton, Oakland, Muskegon and Livonia and are among 200 patients who registered for the treatment trial nationally, officials said.
Whitmer ‘anxious’ to re-engage economy but wants to avoid second wave of coronavirus
While Michigan’s governor says she is anxious to take actions to open up the state’s economy, hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic, she also wants to avoid a second wave of patients stricken with the respiratory virus.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer appeared on NBC’s “Meet the Press” and CNN’s “State of the Union with Jake Tapper” Sunday morning and talked about the dilemma she faces in lifting restrictions put in place as part of her stay-at-home orders.
Muskegon woman recounts ordeal with coronavirus
Looking back now, Sue Vayette realizes the signs of coronavirus were there – she just didn’t want to believe she had the deadly disease.
The Norton Shores woman always considered herself healthy. She was the type who didn’t get a cold when everyone else did.
So, she thought it was “just a bug” when she began feeling ill around March 31. It started with a sore throat, and slowly progressed.
She began to feel short of breath and was sleeping all the time when sweats and chills set in.
Resident at Shiawassee County assisted living facility tests positive for coronavirus
A resident at The Meadows of Owosso assisted living facility has tested positive for COVID-19.
The Shiawassee County Health Department confirmed the news Saturday night in a news release.
“This individual has been transferred to Memorial Healthcare for further observation,” the release states. “All other residents are being isolated in their rooms and not participating in group activities.”
First Responder Parade honors healthcare workers in Jackson
Emergency personnel got out of their trucks and started to applaud.
It was the First Responder Appreciation Parade in Jackson on Sunday, April 19. About 30 emergency vehicles paraded from Meijer on East Michigan Avenue to Henry Ford Allegiance Health to honor healthcare workers on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic.
Virtual Concerts in Michigan not to miss this week -April 19
It’s looks like we’ll be doing this for several more weeks. Or maybe the whole summer. Who knows?
More and more musicians are turning to Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and other social media platforms to offer live entertainment for fans, friends and followers during the coronavirus Covid-19 pandemic.
This week we have more great performances. Click here for a list of virtual concerts.
Read all of MLive’s coverage on the coronavirus at mlive.com/coronavirus.
Additional information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.
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, counter tops) and when you go into places like stores.
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