MI Reports Its Highest Number Of New Coronavirus Cases Since May

MICHIGAN — The state reported its highest number of new confirmed cases of the coronavirus since late May, a day after Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced the state would not progress toward a full reopening as quickly as initially anticipated.

Michigan health officials on Wednesday reported 323 new cases of the coronavirus. The state had not reported more than 300 new cases in a single day since June 3, when 304 new cases were reported.

The uptick in cases brings Michigan's overall coronavirus number to 61,953. Meanwhile, the state on Wednesday reported an additional four deaths attributed to the virus, bringing the statewide total in that category to 5,868, according to state data.

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The numbers reported Wednesday seem alarming when combined with the fact that Whitmer on Tuesday said the state would not be advancing to the next phase of her MI Safe Start plan for reopening Michigan's economy as quickly as planned, Michigan Advance reported.

Whitmer on June 1 lifted her much maligned stay-home order and began reopening portions of the economy that involved little face-to-face interaction in closed settings, such as real estate and construction.

Phase 4 allows low-risk businesses, such as retail settings, to open with strict guidelines. Phase 5 includes the loosening of more restrictions and would allow the reopening of theaters, nightclubs and stadiums.

The Upper Peninsula and greater Traverse City areas have been moved to Phase 5 of the plan ahead of the rest of the state due to their smaller populations. But the rest of the state will be required to wait to advance to that next step, Whitmer said.