Coronavirus ‘hot spots’ continue to migrate north
135 new infections, 6 more fatalities reported Monday
Six more local residents have died from complications associated with COVID-19 as the number of confirmed cases of the highly contagious disease continues to rise, according to the Macomb County Health Department.
As of 5 p.m. Monday, there were 135 new infections reported for a total of 755 in Macomb County, along with 26 total fatalities, the county’s update shows. There are 279 people currently hospitalized after having been diagnosed as positive for the novel coronavirus.
Meanwhile, the county’s heat map — which provides a graphic view of the cases mapped by the patient’s community of residence — shows the disease’s presence continues to spread.
“I don’t like to be an alarmist, but these numbers are expected to rise incredibly over the next few weeks — they are going to go up dramatically,” said Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel.
Hackel said the prediction is based on discussions of trends with scientists, public health officials and health care professionals.
The county health department is not releasing any hard numbers to supplement the heat map, part
of an epidemiologic analysis that shows the “burden” of COVID-19. It is not an indication of the risk of disease by location.
The epidemiologic analysis of the 755 confirmed cases provides a demographic snapshot of the situation.
The brighter the color, the higher the concentration of reported cases.
To date, the highest concentration is in Eastpointe, which the map shows listed almost entirely in white. Other communities with pockets of orange and red concentrations include Clinton Township, Macomb Township, Roseville and Sterling Heights.
Hackel said the map provides a fluid analysis of the county’s coronavirus situation.
“I can guarantee you when all is said and done, you’re going to see that predominately south end of the county will all be bright orange or red because the COVID-19 is spreading through the communities just like the rest of the state of Michigan,” Hackel said.
Eastpointe Mayor Monique Owens declined to comment on the city’s status on the heat map because the health department will not release the numbers to show why Eastpointe scored so high.
Without having a fuller understanding of the department’s process, Owens said she feels uncomfortable commenting on it.
But in a message posted
on the city’s Facebook page, Owens said City Hall continues to scale back operations with an at-home workforce in an effort to slow COVID-19’s migration.
“The best way to slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect your community is to stay home and avoid unnecessary meetups,” the mayor said in her post.
On Monday, state health officials confirmed 1,012 new COVID-19 infections and 52 new deaths, including 195 new cases and 14 new deaths in Oakland County. Statewide, there are 6,498 infections and 194 deaths, according to health officials.
The number of cases has steadily risen since the first two were reported March 10, with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announcing a state of emergency that night. The first death was reported March 18.
Patients with confirmed infection have reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of:
• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the best prevention for COVID-19 is to:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• Use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
• Avoid touching your
eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Put distance between yourself and other people ((at least six feet) if COVID-19 is spreading in your community.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
There have been more than 143,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the U.S., including at least 2,500 deaths, according to a tally from Johns Hopkins University. Worldwide, around 741,000 cases have been confirmed in 177 countries and regions. Of that number, around around 157,000 people have recovered while more than 35,000 people have died.
Here are some recent steps that have been taken at the state level to help slow the spread of COVID-19, protect public health, and assist residents and business owners:
• Gov. Gretchen Whitmer temporarily restricted discretionary spending by state departments and agencies while they work to slow the spread of COVID-19 in Michigan. She also temporarily suspended hiring, creating new positions, filling vacant positions, transfers, and promotions within the executive branch of state government.
• Attorney General Dana Nessel has taken legal action against Ann Arborbased A.M. Cleaning and Supplies in price-gouging investigation.
• Whitmer signed two supplemental budget bills totaling $150 million as part of the state’s response to combating COVID-19.
• The Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development have partnered to allow restaurants to sell food and pantry items, which currently, can be sold only by grocery and retail stores.
• An agreement signed with U.S. Department of Labor to implement Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and Compensation programs that grant benefits to workers who do not already qualify for state unemployment benefits. Workers include self-employed, 1099-independent contractors, gig, and low-wage workers who can no longer work because of the pandemic. The agreement also increases weekly benefits for all unemployed workers by $600 a week for up to four months and extends benefit payments from 26 to 39 weeks.
• Scope of practice laws were relaxed to give hospitals and other healthcare facilities access to additional qualified physician assistants, nurses and other health care providers who can help to combat COVID-19.
For most people, the COVID-19 virus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia. The vast majority of people recover.