The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) reported Tuesday that a total of 582,719 Michiganders have tested positive for COVID-19 and 15,396 have died from the virus — an additional 1,316 new cases and 34 additional deaths since Monday. The number of deaths includes 18 that were identified during a vital records review.
DHHS also reports that an additional 56,993 Michiganders have been identified as “probable” cases for COVID-19, as well as 984 probable deaths. The department began tracking probable cases on April 5.
Combining the state’s confirmed positive cases with probable cases brings the total up to 639,712 statewide cases and 16,380 deaths.
The virus has been detected in all of Michigan’s 83 counties. The state’s COVID-19 fatality rate is currently at 2.6%.
The first two cases of COVID-19 were reported in the state on March 10. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency that day.
Johns Hopkins University reports that there are more than 111.9 million confirmed cases worldwide and 2.4 million deaths. The United States makes up a significant portion of those, as more than 28.2 million confirmed cases and 501,663 deaths have been recorded nationally.
Whitmer, following a proclamation issued by President Joe Biden, has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol complex and upon all public buildings and grounds across the state of Michigan to be lowered to half-staff immediately through Friday to honor and mourn those who have lost their lives due to COVID-19.
“As we lower the flags to honor and remember the 500,000 American lives, my heart is with the families of loved ones who passed away from this vicious virus,” Whitmer said. “Our nation grieves as we continue the fight to eradicate COVID-19. The quickest way out of the pandemic is through equitable distribution of the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines. That’s why we are encouraging every Michigander to make a plan to get vaccinated when a vaccine becomes available. We can see the light at the end of the tunnel, and we will get through this pandemic together.”
