Michigan Adds 1,872 New Coronavirus Cases, 80 Deaths Thursday

MICHIGAN — Michigan reported 1,872 new COVID-19 cases Thursday, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services officials announced.

The state also added 80 more COVID-19 deaths — 67 of which were identified through a vital records review. The new figures released Thursday bring Michigan's total coronavirus numbers to 556,109 confirmed cases and 14,491 reported deaths, according to state health officials.

The state added 1,681 new coronavirus cases and six deaths attributed to the virus on Wednesday.
More than 463,000 people in Michigan have recovered from the coronavirus, according to state health officials.

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Thursday's figures come the day after Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered her third State of the State address, virtually, of course, as most things during the pandemic have been. Her speech focused primarily on the road ahead as the state works toward combating the coronavirus and rolling out doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.

The governor referenced her proposed coronavirus recovery plan — which includes a pay bump and grant funding for teachers and school support staff and an extension of unemployment benefits — and called on the state legislature to work with her on economic issues stemming from the pandemic.

"The health of our economy is inextricably linked to the health of our people," Whitmer said Wednesday night in a State of the State that was held virtually due to coronavirus guidelines restricting large gatherings. "Effectively rebuilding our economy this year requires that we protect public health. That hurdle is cleared easier and quicker if we work together."

Meanwhile, newly released data that had been kept hidden by the administration of former President Donald Trump shows how Michigan is handling the pandemic, and how the state compares to other states across the country.

The data released Wednesday tracks a set of key metrics in Michigan including the rate of COVID-19 cases per 100,000 residents, test positivity rates and total lab tests. The White House COVID-19 Team's report shows Michigan is performing better than the country at large.

>>> You can read more about the data here.

Also in Michigan, The Associated Press reported Thursday that nine retired Roman Catholic nuns living in southern Michigan died when an outbreak of the coronavirus occurred in the retirement home they resided.

A spokeswoman told The Associated Press that 46 sisters have tested positive for the coronavirus, 12 cases remain active and 25 women are recovering. More than 200 sisters who are retired from active ministry live at the retirement home.