Michigan Tops 35,000 Total Reported Coronavirus Cases

MICHIGAN —Michigan has exceeded 35,000 total reported cases of the new coronavirus, according to the most recent data provided by the state.

Michigan on Thursday reported 1,325 new cases of the coronavirus. The update brings Michigan's overall case total to 35,291. The state also reported an additional 164 deaths attributed to the virus, bringing the statewide death toll to 2,977.

The number of new cases is the most the state has seen since April 14, when 1,366 new cases were reported.

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State numbers are released daily at 3 p.m. but are indicative of what has been reported by 10 a.m. that day.

Numbers are sometimes altered as public health officials investigate individual cases. Case numbers sometimes do not match numbers provided by respective counties due to several variables, including testing done by private organizations that report to either the state or the county but not both.

Deaths are reported by health care providers and recorded by local health departments. Other data, such the number of individuals who have recovered at the state level, are released on Saturdays.

Positive Trend?

Overall, Michigan has seen a trend that, as Governor Gretchen Whitmer said Wednesday, is reason for "cautious optimism." Below is a breakdown of newly reported cases across Michigan over the past eight days:

• Thursday, April 23: 1,325
• Wednesday, April 22: 999
• Tuesday, April 21: 967
• Monday, April 20: 576
• Sunday, April 19: 633
• Saturday, April 18: 768
• Friday, April 17: 760
• Thursday, April 16: 1,204

The state hadn't reported more than 1,000 new cases since last week, when it reported 1,204 new cases April 16. Thursday's update changes that.

Detroit and Wayne County Coronavirus Numbers

Detroit leads Michigan communities in reported coronavirus cases. The state reported that the city has 8,317 cases of the virus and 799 deaths resulting from the virus. The city reports separately from Wayne County, which, according to the state's data, has 6,677 cases of the virus and 597 deaths attributed to it.

Earlier on Thursday, Detroit announced measures that are being taken to ensure students have the necessary items to continue learning while outside the classroom.

According to school officials, only 10-20 percent of students in Detroit have access to electronic devices or the internet. During the coronavirus pandemic, which has closed schools, limited access has become detrimental.

However, the city announced a $23 million plan to provide Detroit students with tablets and internet access during the pandemic.

Wayne County, which earlier this week reported a significant deficit due to financial bindings caused by the coronavirus, has seen additional ramifications take effect.

Henry Ford Health System, which has hospitals throughout southeast Michigan, announced that about 2,800 employees will be temporarily furloughed due to the hospital's own financial woes.

Henry Ford Health System has had a $43 million loss in operating income during the month of March due to the postponement or cancellation of services and procedures, temporary site closures and an increased need for resources to care for coronavirus patients, including personal protective equipment for team members, the news release said. Losses for April and May 2020 are expected to surpass the loss of March 2020.

The city of Dearborn, meanwhile, has taken steps to ensure small businesses aren't left out to dry as the state battles the coronavirus.

The city announced a small business grant initiative that features grants of up to $5,000, for small businesses with 17 or fewer employees and sole proprietors within Dearborn.

Other Southeast Michigan Communities

In Oakland County, 6,634 cases of the coronavirus were reported. Of those, 567 people have died.

Macomb County reported 4,862 cases and 493 deaths.

Washtenaw County reported 960 cases and 42 deaths.