Michigan reports 9,350 more virus cases and 93 deaths

Michigan reported 9,350 new confirmed cases and 93 deaths Monday, and health officials extended a threeweek temporary epidemic order for another 12 days to curb the growing number of coronavirus cases and deaths across the state.

The numbers reported Monday represent the tallies taken the previous two days, and new coronavirus cases averaged 4,675 per day for Sunday and Monday.

The extended epidemic order from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services continues a temporary three-week order that limited social gatherings and other group activities until Dec. 20.

Under the extended order, high schools and colleges remain closed to inperson learning. Also closed for another 12 days are casinos, movie theaters, bowling centers, arenas and stadiums, indoor water parks, group fitness classes, and indoor dining at restaurants.

“We each have a personal responsibility to wear a mask consistently and minimize indoor gatherings, so we can protect our frontline heroes and loved ones,” said MDHHS Director Robert Gordon. “If we don’t, the disease will continue to spread and people will continue to get sick and die.”

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has asked Michigan lawmakers to approve a relief package that includes a permanent extension of unemployment benefits and a requirement that masks be worn in public.

The two-day tally of cases and deaths Monday shows cases of the virus rising in southeast Michigan counties where there are more people.

There were 784 new confirmed cases and one death in Oakland County, 811 cases and one death in Macomb County, 874 cases and seven deaths in Wayne County, 372 cases and two deaths in Detroit.

Case counts are lower in more rural counties, though deaths continue to increase.