OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. (WXYZ) — Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter has issued an order temporarily closing all malls and playgrounds in the county.
- 2nd COVID-19 death reported in Oakland County, 6th death in Michigan
- First COVID-19 death reported in Oakland County, 4th death in Michigan
Coulter, alongside Oakland County Health Officer Leigh-Anne Stafford and Thomas Hardesty of the county's Emergency Operations Center, discussed the county's first COVID-19 death and announced new measures aimed at protecting children and seniors.
Some of these protective measures included an emergency order closing all Oakland County mallsby noon Saturday, as well as restricting use of playgrounds. Parks will remain open but all playground equipment will be off limits.
BREAKING: playgrounds in Oakland County are closed. Parks remain open but playground equipment will be off limits. pic.twitter.com/EdyBptWJjC
— Jennifer Ann Wilson WXYZ (@JennaWils) March 21, 2020
He also spoke about gaps in critical supplies necessary to help mitigate the spread of the virus.
There are currently 229 positive cases of coronavirus in Oakland County, as of March 21. The ages range from the youngest patient being a 7-month-old to the oldest at 92, officials said. Two people have died from coronavirus-related complications, and 42 people have been hospitalized.
FULL COVERAGE: Coronavirus outbreak in Michigan
BREAKING: new Oakland County numbers released at the end of the hour long press conference:
— Jennifer Ann Wilson WXYZ (@JennaWils) March 21, 2020
229 #covid19 cases
42 people hospitalized
Those hospitalized range from 7 months old to 92 years old.
Median age is 27 ... which means HALF hospitalized are 27 and under @wxyzdetroit
According to Hardesty, people will not be arrested for violating the restrictions but are encouraged to comply to prevent the spread of the virus.
Coulter stated he expects the number of cases to increase.
The conference was held at the L. Brooks Patterson Building Conference Center in Waterford.
