Deaths drop as country continues to set daily records

State reports 2,694 new cases, 32 deaths

Confirmed coronavirus deaths dropped Wednesday as Michigan even as deaths across the country continue to set daily records.

The state reported 32 deaths from the virus and 2,694 new cases of the virus, pushing the total since the pandemic began last March to 528,306 cases and 13,533 deaths.

The state plans to allow reopening of food establishments Feb. 1 based on metrics the state health department has been tracking.

Wednesday’s numbers indicate deaths from the deadly virus have fallen sharply, particularly in southeast Michigan.

In Oakland County, there were 276 cases and one death. There were 128 cases and two deaths in Detroit, 247 cases and no deaths in Macomb County, and 292 cases and four deaths in Wayne County.

In other parts of Michigan, there were 255 cases and no deaths in Kent County, 145 cases and one death in Ottawa County, but 66 cases and six deaths in Saginaw County.

In rural mid Michigan, there were five cases and no deaths in Clare County, six cases and no deaths in Gratiot County, and four cases and no deaths in Isabella County.

The Associated Press reported Wednesday that coronavirus deaths in the U.S. hit another oneday high at over 4,300. The nation’s overall death toll from COVID-19 has eclipsed 380,000, according to Johns Hopkins University, and is closing in fast on the number of Americans killed in World War II, or about 407,000.

Confirmed infections have topped 22.8 million. Arizona and California have been among the hardest-hit states. The country is now in the most lethal phase of the outbreak yet, even as vaccines are being rolled out.

After a slow start, Michigan’s

vaccine numbers are rising.

The state has distributed 831,150 doses to public and private providers, and 332,139 doses have been administered.