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The latest coronavirus updates: Thursday, March 26, 2020

Posted at 4:16 AM, Mar 26, 2020
and last updated 2020-03-27 04:21:19-04

(WXYZ) — All of the updates on the coronavirus and the incredible impact it's having on our lives can be hard to keep up with. To help you keep up, we'll post this daily blog on our homepage. You can find all of our stories on our coronavirus page.

3:07 p.m.

Michigan State Rep. Tyrone Carter – from Detroit – became the first state congressperson to test positive for COVID-19.

Carter is doing fine, according to the House, and appears to be on the other side of his illness.

“I am concerned for Rep. Carter and I’m praying for his speedy recovery, and for the safety of his friends and family,” said House Democratic Leader Christine Greig (D-Farmington Hills).“We all must remain vigilant in practicing social distancing and do our part to stop the spread of this virus. Anyone who is experiencing symptoms should follow the CDC guidelines and contact their medical provider.”

3 p.m.

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan is speaking at 3 p.m. on city's COVID-19 response, including an expansion meals for children pickup locations.

They expect a trial run for testing at the State Fairgrounds on Friday. They won't test you if you don't have symptoms, and you will need to have a prescription from your doctor for a test.

2 p.m.

There are now 60 deaths and 2,856 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state of Michigan, health officials announced on Thursday.

That's up from 43 deaths and 2,295 cases that were reported on Wednesday from the day before. Detroit has the largest number of cases with 851.

1:30 p.m.

Oakland County has reached an agreement with TCF Bank to create a $6 million small business relief fund for Oakland County businesses negatively affected by the COVID-19 crisis.

“Supporting small business means supporting the families that make small businesses run,” Oakland County Treasurer Andy Meisner said. “That’s why we must be proactive in supporting our Oakland County businesses affected by the crisis and this new small business relief fund will do just that.”

12:50 p.m.

Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter is expected to speak at 1:30 p.m. about a new small business stabilization fund in the county.

12:26 p.m.

Highland Park Police Chief Hilton Napoleon is currently in intensive care after being diagnosed with COVID-19, the city confirmed to 7 Action News.

Napoleon the older brother of Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napoleon.

11:30 a.m.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says Michigan is ranked fifth in the nation for positive COVID-19 cases. She said stopping the spread is the only tool Michiganders have right now to keep communities safe. Click here.

11:13 a.m.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has sent a request to the White House asking President Donald Trump for a major disaster declaration.

If granted, Whitmer said it will help provide meals to those who need them, provide rental assistance for temporary housing, therapy for residents whose mental health is affected by COVID-19 and much more.

9:21 a.m.

Some of Ford's top executives are deferring part or all of their salary during the COVID-19 outbreak. Click here.

8:40 a.m.

The Labor Department saw an additional 3 million people seeking unemployment claims last week — the highest increase of unemployment claims the Labor Department has recorded since it began measuring seasonal unemployment. Click here.

8:35 a.m.

John and Al David, owners of Troy-based Emergency Restoration, will host the giveaway Thursday, March 26 at noon on 1401 E 14 Mile Rd in Troy. Click here.

7:29 a.m.

Ford Motor Company says it is aiming to restart production at select plants in North America starting April 14. Click here.

7:04 a.m.

Here are the partial highlights of a roughly $2.2 trillion package to rush aid to businesses, workers and a health care system slammed by the coronavirus pandemic. Click here.

6:03 a.m.

Governor Whitmer signed an executive order easing restrictions on pharmacists and increasing access to prescriptions for Michiganders. Click here.

5:10 a.m.

Two hospitals that are part of the Henry Ford Health System are at full bed capacity treating patients during the COVID-19 outbreak. Click here.

4:49 a.m.

Starting Thursday, the Detroit Public Schools Community District will offer free meals for students and their families amid the temporary closing of schools due to the coronavirus pandemic. Click here.

4:03 a.m.

A bill that will give many Americans a $1,200 check in the upcoming days finally got the green light from the US Senate late Wednesday after days of wrangling between the two parties. Click here.

Additional Coronavirus information and resources:

Read our daily Coronavirus Live Blog for the latest updates and news on coronavirus.

Click here for a page with resources including a COVID-19 overview from the CDC, details on cases in Michigan, a timeline of Governor Gretchen Whitmer's orders since the outbreak, coronavirus' impact on Southeast Michigan, and links to more information from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the CDC and the WHO.

View a global coronavirus tracker with data from Johns Hopkins University.

Find out how you can help metro Detroit restaurants struggling during the pandemic.

See all of our Helping Each Other stories.

See complete coverage on our Coronavirus Continuing Coverage page.