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Detroit region has highest COVID-19 case rate; largely driven by counties outside of city

Posted at 4:46 AM, Aug 19, 2020
and last updated 2020-08-19 15:11:15-04

LANSING, Mich. (WXYZ) — During a press conference on Wednesday, Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun said the Detroit region still has the highest case rate at 61 cases per million people per day. She noted that the case rate is largely driven by counties outside Detroit.

Many cases are still associated with outbreaks, Dr. Khaldun said, in every region of the state. She said officials are working diligently to identify these outbreaks, and warned that residents must be diligent about wearing masks, maintaining distance and avoiding large gatherings.

She said many people who have COVID-19 suffer long-term health consequences, including problems with the brain, heart and lungs.

Dr. Khaldun said contact tracing remains a critical part of the state's response to COVID-19.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer also announced she is sending nearly $65 million in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act funding to Michigan school districts.

RELATED: Gov. Whitmer sending $65 million in CARES Act funding to Michigan schools

The funding will also be used for higher education institutions, and other education-related entities that have been most significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.