Cases trend downwards

The number of new confirmed COVID-19 cases continues to trend downwards, as the state reported less than 4,000 new cases on Saturday.

The state reported 3,896 new confirmed cases with 187 new deaths, though 155 deaths were identified from reviews of vital records.

Michigan, since the arrival of the coronavirus in March, has reported 458,852 confirmed cases and 11,461 deaths, ranking tenth in the nation in cases.

The update Saturday came as the global total of COVID-19 cases neared 76 million, with 1.68 million killed, according to Johns Hopkins University. In the U.S., more than 17.5 million cases have been reported with more than 314,500 deaths.

Since Dec. 8 when the state’s seven- day average has at 6,293, that figure hass dipped each day, and on Saturday, it was at 4,010.

One month ago, on Nov. 19, the seven- day average crossed 7,000 for the first time.

Optimism has come with the arrival of vaccines in Michigan. In Pontiac, McLaren Oakland started its vaccination program on Friday morning, Dec. 18.

“Since the spring, when we first began treating COVID-19 patients, this is the day we’ve been waiting for,” said Margaret Dimond, president and CEO of McLaren Oakland. “Our entire team has shown tremendous bravery in the face of this pandemic and unfailing dedication to our patients. I’m so proud to work with this group. They truly deserve this.”