Michigan Reports 223 New Coronavirus Cases, Expands Testing

MICHIGAN — State health officials reported 223 new cases of the coronavirus Tuesday as Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced the expansion of testing sites across Michigan.

The 223 new cases reported in Michigan bring the state's coronavirus case total to 55,104. Michigan also reported 26 new deaths attributed to the virus, bringing the state death toll to 5,266.

Tuesday's updated numbers come as Whitmer signed an executive order expanding the types of medical personnel that can order coronavirus testing, and creating a new category of community testing sites that offer testing to anyone with reason to be tested without an advance order.

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“We need to keep working to expand testing, which is why it is crucial that Michiganders who have COVID-19 symptoms, even mild ones, or have been in contact with someone who has the virus can get tested,” Whitmer said. “This executive order will pave the way for more community testing sites to open as we work towards our goal of 15,000 tests administered daily in Michigan. We owe it to the real heroes of this crisis — medical workers, first responders and other essential workers — to do what we can to stop the spread of the virus.”

Anyone who leaves their home for work, or has even mild coronavirus symptoms, may receive a test at a community testing location without securing a doctor’s order in advance under the order. Medical personnel will be available to order testing upon arrival.

Michiganders eligible for testing include someone who:

• Exhibits any symptom of the coronavirus, including mild symptoms
• Has been exposed to a person with the coronavirus
• Has been working outside their home for at least 10 days
• Resides in any congregate setting, such as a long-term care facility, prison or jail, homeless shelter, or migrant camp

Michigan Coronavirus Trends

The number of new coronavirus cases reported daily in Michigan is showing signs of a plateau.

Below are the number of new cases and new deaths reported over the last 10 days.

Coronavirus Cases in Southeast Michigan

Southeast Michigan continues to be the state's hardest hit region. Wayne County leads Michigan counties in coronavirus cases, with Oakland County trailing close behind. Detroit, meanwhile, leads all Michigan communities in both total cases and deaths.

Below is a breakdown of how many cases of the virus have been reported in southeast Michigan communities.

Related: See Coronavirus Cases Reported In Your Oakland County ZIP Code

Related: See Coronavirus Cases Reported In Your Wayne County Community

Michigan in National, Global Context

More than 5.6 million cases of the coronavirus have been reported across the globe as of Tuesday morning, according to the World Health Organization. Of those, more than 349,000 people have died. However, the organization has reported that 2.4 million people have recovered from the virus.

The U.S., with it's 1.7 million reported cases of the coronavirus and 100,000 deaths attributed to the virus, leads the world in both categories.

Michigan ranks eighth in the U.S. in total number of confirmed coronavirus cases, according to the World Health Organization. Michigan is fourth in the country in deaths attributed to the virus.

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