State tops 10,000 confirmed coronavirus deaths

Gov. orders flags to half staff

Michigan reached the dubious distinction Tuesday of 10,000 confirmed deaths from the coronavirus pandemic, and the state’s governor ordered flags to be lowered to half staff for 10 days to mark the milestone.

The 191 confirmed deaths Tuesday pushed the state total to 10,138 since counting began last March.

There were 5,909 confirmed cases around the state for a total of 410,295 for the year.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s 10- day order to lower flags represents one day per 1,000 deaths. More than one of every 1,000 Michigan residents has died from the virus, according to the governor’s office. Flags will be returned to full staff Saturday, Dec. 19.

“Our nation is grieving alongside each of the families who have an empty seat at the dinner table each night or who will be missing family members during the holiday season,” Whitmer said. “Right now, we need to listen to our scientists and medical professionals who are asking us to double down on wearing masks and maintaining physical distancing to prevent an unnecessarily greater loss of life. With a vaccine on the horizon, there is light at the end of the tunnel, but we each need to do our part until then. We will get through this together.”

Whitmer on Monday extended a three-week pause in some economic and organized activities for another 12 days. Whether the new restrictions are lifted before Christmas depends in part on some metric scores such as hospital capacity, the state said Monday.

Several counties around Michigan saw confirmed cases in the hundreds and confirmed deaths in double digits Tuesday. There were 798 cases and 23 deaths in Oakland County, 839 cases and 19 deaths in Wayne County, 628 cases and 19 deaths in Macomb County, and 288

By many estimates, the widespread availability of a vaccine to the virus remains months away and health agencies continue to urge people to wear masks, social distance, and limit some activities.

cases and 11 deaths in Detroit.

Elsewhere in the state, Kent County recorded 335 cases and 11 deaths, and Ottawa County had 140 cases and 11 deaths. In mid Michigan, Isabella County had 30 cases and two deaths.

By many estimates, the widespread availability of a vaccine to the virus remains months away and health agencies continue to urge people to wear masks, social distance, and limit some activities.