Michigan Adds 4,180 New Coronavirus Cases, 66 Deaths Friday

MICHIGAN — Michigan added 4,180 new cases of the coronavirus and 66 additional COVID-19 deaths on Friday, according to data provided by the state of Michigan.

The new numbers bring Michigan's overall coronavirus totals to 454,956 confirmed cases of the virus and 11,274 COVID-19 deaths, according to the state.

Michigan reported 4,024 new cases on Thursday while also adding 190 new COVID-19 deaths — 125 of which the state said were identified during a Vital Records review. On Saturday, Michigan health officials said that 236,369 people in Michigan had recovered from the coronavirus.

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Friday's coronavirus numbers update comes as Michigan announced it was easing the restrictions on some of its businesses and extending restrictions on others.

Michigan's ban on in-person dining will continue through Jan. 15, according to an amended order issued Friday. But casinos, bowling alleys and stadiums will be among businesses allowed to reopen with limitations. In-person instruction at Michigan high schools and colleges also will be able to pick back up in January.

"This new order expires on January 15, but if we substantially sustain our progress we will seriously consider lifting protocols sooner," Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said.

During the same news conference Whitmer announced the amended restrictions, she also spoke fondly of Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napoleon. On Thursday, Napoleon became one of more than 10,000 Michiganders to die with COVID-19.

"He was very careful. And he followed the protocols. And despite that, somehow even he contracted COVID," Whitmer said. "And in a matter of three weeks, he went from testing positive to being hospitalized to being put on a ventilator and passing away. And my heart hurts."