(WXYZ) — There are 264,576 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 8,049 total deaths in Michigan, the state reported Monday.
“I want to express my deepest sympathies to all Michiganders who have lost a loved one to this virus," said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer Monday after the state surpassed 8,000 COVID deaths. "We all owe it to them to take this seriously so we can save more lives and protect each other. We must all choose to take action against COVID-19 and get through this together.
That's up 12,763 cases and 55 deaths from Saturday. Over the two days, Sunday and Monday, the average number of new confirmed cases is approximately 6,381 per day.
Whitmer also expressed hope for a vaccine that is in the works.
“There is hope on the horizon," Whitmer said. "Moderna announced today that their vaccine is highly effective and awaiting approval. This is great news for our families, frontline workers, and small businesses, and Moderna is not alone. Last week, Pfizer announced similar news, with both companies’ vaccines showing over 90% efficacy. This is all good news, but it doesn’t mean that we can let our guard down and loosen the safety measures we have made in our daily lives. It’s crucial that we keep our infection rate low so we can save lives and distribute the vaccine as quickly as possible when it’s ready."
In a press conference held Sunday evening, Whitmer and state health officials announced a "Three-Week Pause" aimed at mitigating the spread of the virus.
During these three weeks, which are between Nov. 18 and Dec. 8, the state will mandate that these operations be closed:
- in-person learning at high schools, colleges and universities
- theaters, stadiums and arenas
- All who are able to work from home will be required to do just that
- dine-in restaurants and bars
- organized sports, except professional sports
- bowling centers, ice skating, indoor water parks
- bingo halls, casinos, arcades
- group fitness classes
The state has seen an upward trend in cases, with record single-day numbers. On Saturday, the state reported 7,072 new positive virus cases and 65 more deaths. On Friday, the state reached its highest single-day record to date with 8,516 new coronavirus cases reported.
As of Friday, Nov. 13, 138,862 people have recovered from the virus.
